Backdoor 4 Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s on offer for the next couple of weeks. We’re starting off with a bit of a slow patch, but there’s some real potential building towards the end.

The first few days are a bit of a write-off. Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th have some small, short-period swell, but the wind is messy and cross-off, so it’s not really worth the paddle. We’re looking at a gap of a few days there before things start to get interesting.

Sunday the 19th is where we see the first real pulse of energy. The morning has a 6ft swell from the ENE with a solid 11-second period, and the combined energy is up there (1000). The wind is still cross-off, but it’s light. The afternoon cleans up nicely with the same size and a 10-second period. That’s when you want to be in the water.

Now, the real standout. Monday the 20th morning is an absolute gem. We’ve got a 6ft ENE groundswell, a 10-second period, and the wind is dead calm – glassy conditions. The water is sitting at 65°, which is bang on average for this time of year. This is the pick of the first week, no question. The combined energy is a solid 760, so there’s plenty of push. It’s a reef break and very consistent, so expect some crowds, but with conditions like that, it’ll be worth it. The swell direction is a touch east of the optimum, but it’ll still set up nicely.

We dip again mid-week. Tuesday through Thursday has some small, weak swell and onshore winds, so you can give that a miss.

Then we get a big, late surge. On Friday the 24th afternoon, a massive 10ft swell from the south with a very long 11-second period arrives. The combined energy is enormous (3105). The wind is offshore and light. However, this is going to be way too big for most, only for experts. The swell is too big for this break.

The real second-week highlight then comes on Thursday the 30th. The afternoon session is looking excellent. We’ve got a 6ft south swell, a 10-second period, and a gentle offshore wind. The combined energy is a strong 1124. This is a proper groundswell for experienced surfers, and the conditions will be clean and lined up. Friday the 31st morning also has a glassy 5ft swell, but the period drops to 8 seconds, so it’ll be a bit weaker.

So, to sum it up: Monday the 20th morning is your best early bet for clean, classic waves. But if you’re an experienced surfer, hold out for Thursday the 30th afternoon. That’s the big one.

Rusty.

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