Backdoor 4 Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s break this down in feet and miles per hour.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start, then a real clean day, and a big swell waiting for the brave.

Friday morning, August 28, is the pick of the early days. Backdoor 4 has a 6ft SSE swell running at 11 seconds, with moderate energy (812). The wind is glassy calm, making for perfect, clean waves. The water temp is about normal for this time of year. This break is very consistent, exposed to the east, and the SSE direction is right on the money. Expect good shape. Just know that crowds are possible, so get there early.

Saturday, August 29, stays clean with a 5ft SSE swell and light offshore winds, but the energy drops to 434. Still a decent session. Sunday morning, August 30, is smaller at 3ft from the south, but glassy again – ideal for a relaxed paddle on a longer board.

Then we hit a lull. From Monday afternoon, August 31, right through to Saturday afternoon, September 5, conditions go poor. The swell gets tiny and the wind turns ugly. A solid five days of nothing worth chasing.

Now for the big one. Monday, September 7, brings in a serious 8ft S swell with 11-second period and very strong energy (1556). The wind is a light cross-offshore in the morning, keeping it clean. At this size, it’s for experts only. The swell direction is hitting the break’s optimum, so expect powerful, hollow waves on the reef. Mark that date.

Tuesday morning, September 8, cleans up with a 5ft S swell and glassy conditions – much more forgiving for intermediate surfers who want to get in on the action after the big day.

After that, the forecast turns poor again. Winds shift onshore, the swell fades, and by Wednesday, September 9, it’s back to junk through the end of the outlook.

So the bottom line: Friday, August 28 is your best bet for clean, fun waves. For the big stuff, Monday, September 7 is the one to watch, but it’s a long way out, so keep checking.

Rusty.

Read more