Bird Rock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, this is Rusty. Righto, let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ at Bird Rock over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a bit of a bumpy start, but once that first big pulse of swell hits, it’s gonna get real interesting for the crew who know how to handle a serious reef.

So, the first session that’s really worth paddling out for is Saturday the 12th of September. It’s not perfect – there’s some clouds and a cross-off breeze from the north at 6 mph, but that’s actually gonna keep it pretty clean. The swell is a solid 6 ft from the SSW, and it’s got a lovely 15-second period, meaning it’s proper groundswell with heaps of energy. Combined wave energy is strong at 1427, so you’ll feel the push. It’s a touch big for beginners, but for advanced crew on the reef, this is gonna fire. The water temp is about average for this time of year. Sunday the 13th is gonna get windier – north winds at 12 mph – and the swell drops off, so it’s a bit of a write-off. Monday the 14th has a clean window in the morning with an offshore breeze from the NW at 9 mph, but the swell’s only 2 ft, so it’s pretty weak (166 combined energy) – only worth it if you’re desperate.

Then we hit a bit of a messy patch. Tuesday the 15th has a solid 8 ft swell from the SW, but the wind goes howling at 19-22 mph, first cross-off then cross-shore, making it lumpy and ugly. Wednesday the 16th stays big (8 ft) but the wind turns onshore, so it’s choppy rubbish. The combined energy is still huge – over 2500 – but the quality is poor. This stretch is more for the kite crowd than paddle surfers, honestly.

Things settle down a bit Thursday the 17th, with a smaller 5 ft swell and light winds, but it’s still cross-onshore, so only marginal. Friday the 18th is where the vibe starts to turn. We’ve got a moderate offshore breeze from the NW at 12 mph, a 4 ft SW swell with a long 16-second period, and combined energy of 1215. The wind is clean, the waves will be shaping up nicely on the reef – that’s a solid session for intermediate crew. Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th are small and windy again, so another gap in quality.

Now, here’s the standout that you really want to mark on your calendar: Monday the 21st of September. The morning is looking absolutely pumping. It’s clear, nearly glassy with a slight air, just 3 mph from the north, cross-off. The swell is 7 ft from the SSW, with a very long 18-second period. Combined energy is enormous at 4312. That’s a powerful, clean groundswell hitting a fairly exposed reef. This is expert territory – over 8 ft is big, and this is almost there. The waves will be meaty, with long gaps between sets. It’s the best on offer, no question, but you’ll want to be on your game. Crowds are possible here sometimes. Tuesday the 22nd is also excellent, with a 7 ft SW swell and gentle offshore breeze, energy at 2590 – still very clean. After that, the swell drops back into the 4 ft to 6 ft range for the rest of the week, with variable winds, so it’s more average conditions, with the odd clean window on Thursday the 24th afternoon and Friday the 25th morning.

Overall, Bird Rock has a decent run of swell, but the wind is the decider. The first few days are a write-off, but that stretch from the 21st to the 22nd is absolute gold for the experienced crew.

Rusty.

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