Backdoor 4 Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's get into it.

We’re looking at a solid run of surf coming up at Backdoor 4, kicking off on Thursday, 27 August and lasting through the weekend. The pattern starts with some decent south swell and cleans up nicely as we go.

Thursday morning sees a 6ft south swell rolling in, with a 9-second period. The wind is offshore from the south at 12 mph, which is a good start, and the combined swell energy is a moderate 651. This is a very good, clean wave. The afternoon drops a touch to 6ft, the wind swings to a light cross-offshore from the southeast at 6 mph, and the energy dips to 512. Still, solid surf to be had.

Now, the standout is Friday, 28 August. Friday morning, the swell has shifted to 6ft from the SSE, with a longer 11-second period that really pushes the energy up to 813. The wind is glassy – zero from the WNW. That’s as clean as it gets. This is the best on offer, hands down. Afternoon drops a little to 5ft, with a cross-offshore breeze, but still clean.

Saturday, 29 August, holds in well. Morning sees 5ft from the SSE at 10 seconds, with a moderate offshore breeze from the SSE at 12 mph. Energy is a solid 586. This is still very good. The afternoon eases to 4ft, but remains clean with a gentle cross-offshore breeze.

Sunday, 30 August, sees the swell drop to 3ft from the south, but the morning is glassy with a light north wind. Energy is down to 272, but it’s clean and fun for a smaller board. The afternoon stays clean with a cross-offshore breeze.

Monday, 31 August, starts with a tiny 2ft groundswell from the south, but with a very long 17-second period. The morning is glassy, and the energy is a surprising 452. This is a real long-period groundswell, so it will be lining up nicely at this reef break, but expect long lulls between sets. The afternoon turns poor with a cross-onshore wind.

From Tuesday, 1 September, through to Saturday, 6 September, the surf dries up. We’re looking at small, weak waves and poor conditions. There’s a long gap of several days with no real recommendations.

The pattern picks up again on Sunday, 6 September, with a fresh offshore wind, but the swell is tiny. Monday, 7 September, shows some promise with a 4ft south swell arriving, 12-second period, and a clean cross-offshore breeze. Energy jumps to 422. This is a marginal call, but it looks like the best of the second week. After that, the surf fades again into small, unremarkable conditions through the end of the forecast.

Water temperature is about average for this time of year. Nothing unusual to report there.

So, to sum it up: get out there Friday, 28 August, for the best of the batch. Glassy, clean, and a solid 6ft SSE groundswell at Backdoor 4. That’s your wave.

Rusty.

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