Backdoor 4 Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s see what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks at Backdoor 4. This is a reef break, exposed to the swell, and it’s a very consistent spot, so we’ve got a fair bit to talk about.

Right off the bat, the water temp is sitting at 66°, which is just about normal for the time of year, so no surprises there.

The next few days are a bit of a mixed bag. Thursday, September 3rd, is a write-off with a messy cross-onshore wind and a weak 2ft south swell packing only 120 units of energy. You’d be better off cleaning the wax off your board. Friday morning, September 4th, is where it starts to get interesting. The wind goes glassy, and we’ve got a clean 3ft south swell with a decent 11-second period and 288 units of energy. That’s a solid little window for some fun, clean waves. Friday afternoon gets a bit choppy again with a cross-shore wind, so make the most of the morning.

Saturday is a no-go with strong onshore winds, and Sunday morning is tiny. But hold onto your leash – Sunday afternoon, September 6th, sees a jump in size with a 6ft south swell, 12-second period, and a meaty 831 units of energy. The wind is cross-offshore and clean. That’s a sneaky good session.

Monday, September 7th, is just okay – a bit of a cross-onshore wind and 4ft swell. The real standout lands on Tuesday, September 8th. The morning gets an 8ft south swell with an insane 1100 units of energy and a clean offshore wind. That’s big, powerful, and clean. But listen – at 8ft, this is strictly for the experts. It’s too big for beginners. The afternoon drops to 6ft with lighter winds, still excellent for experienced surfers. Wednesday, September 9th, stays good in the morning with a clean offshore wind and 4ft swell.

Now, we’ve got a gap. Thursday, September 10th, flares up again with a massive 8ft to 8ft south-southeast swell. The morning has 1284 units of energy, and the afternoon absolutely cranks with 3498 units thanks to a very long 16-second period. The wind is offshore and clean. This is another only-for-experts situation. That long period groundswell will be better on a reef like this, but it might make the paddle out a bit easier between sets.

The true highlight of the whole forecast, though, is Friday, September 11th. The morning has 6ft of south-southeast swell with 1240 units of energy, a clean cross-offshore breeze, and an 11-second period. The afternoon is even better: 6ft, 14-second period, 1492 units of energy, and that same clean cross-offshore wind. This is the best on offer. Excellent conditions for experienced surfers. Crowds are possible, so get there early.

After that, things drop off. Saturday, September 12th, has a cross-on wind and a messy 5ft swell. From Sunday, September 13th, all the way through to Friday, September 18th, it’s a long run of poor surf. Tiny swells, bad winds, and very low energy. There’s a tiny flicker on Friday afternoon, September 18th, with a glassy 2ft south swell from a very long 18-second period, but it’s not enough to get excited about on its own.

So, the call is clear: Tuesday morning, September 8th, for the big stuff, but the real gem is the whole of Friday, September 11th. That’s your session.

Rusty.

Read more