Backdoor 4 Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let's have a look at what's coming our way. The first few days are looking pretty grim, to be honest. We've got a bit of a wait on our hands before anything decent rolls in. The first solid recommendation doesn't kick off until Thursday morning, the 30th of July, so we're starting with a bit of a lull.

That first proper session is at Backdoor 4, and it's a big one. The water's sitting at 65°, which is pretty much spot-on for this time of year. Thursday morning we're looking at a 8 ft swell out of the South. That's a serious lump, pushing a massive 2110 combined energy, so you'll feel it. The wind is a cross-off from the SW at 9 mph, which is a solid plus, keeping the wave face clean. But look, this one's only for the experienced crew; at that size, it's a big, powerful wave. The crowd factor is "sometimes", so you might have some company, but it won't be a total circus. The period is 10 seconds, so it's got some punch.

Thursday afternoon things ease back to 6 ft from the South, with a clean 12 mph offshore from the SSE. The energy drops to a still-strong 494. The wind is the big plus here – proper offshore makes for some beautiful, clean walls.

Friday the 31st is the standout, no question. Friday morning at Backdoor 4, we've got 7 ft of South swell with that same clean cross-off wind from the SW at 9 mph. The combined energy is 1416, so it's got some serious grunt, but it's a better size for more people. This is excellent, high-quality surf for those with some experience. The South swell direction is spot-on for this break, and the conditions are clean. Friday afternoon is still very good, with 6 ft and a clean 12 mph offshore from the South.

Saturday morning the 1st of August drops to 5 ft, still South swell, with a light 6 mph cross-off from the SW. It's clean, but the energy is down to 445. It's good, but nothing groundbreaking.

Now, we hit a bit of a rough patch. Sunday the 2nd has some size – 6 ft with a long 12-second period from the SSE – but the wind is onshore from the North at 6 mph, which is messy. The energy is high at 1058, but the conditions kill it. Then we go through a real dry spell. From Sunday afternoon through to the 7th of August, it's mostly poor to marginal with small swell and dodgy winds. There's a small window on Wednesday morning the 5th with 5 ft from the South, but it's cross-on and only a 391 energy. Not worth getting excited about.

Thursday the 6th morning gives us 4 ft with a clean cross-off from the SW at 6 mph. The energy is low at 295. It's surfable, but ordinary.

After that, the middle of the month gets interesting again for the big-wave hunters. Monday the 10th of August we're back up to 6 ft from the SE with a 11-second period, but the wind is onshore. The real power kicks off on Tuesday the 11th: 7 ft of SE swell with a short 7-second period and a combined energy of 680. The wind is a moderate cross from the West at 12 mph, so it's a bit of a mess, but that's a lot of moving water. This one is too big for beginners. Then Wednesday the 12th of August is a monster: 8 ft of SSE swell, period at 8 seconds, and a combined energy of 820. The wind is light cross, but the juice is there. The absolute standout of the late period though is Thursday the 14th of August. 8 ft of South swell, 8-second period, and a massive 1804 combined energy. The wind is a moderate cross from the West. This is big, powerful, and only for experts who know what they're doing.

So, to wrap it up: if you're an experienced surfer, Friday the 30th of July morning is the best all-rounder for quality. For the big-wave crew, keep your eyes on Tuesday the 11th, Wednesday the 12th, and especially Thursday the 14th of August. The period on the 11th and 12th is short, so it'll be a bit lumpy and rolly, better for a reef or point break than a straight beach.

Rusty.

Read more