Cactus Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what Cactus has in store for us over the next couple of weeks. This is a solid reef setup that loves a southwest swell, and we’ve got a bit of a slow start before things really fire up.

The first week is a tale of two halves. Early on, there's nothing worth paddling out for. Saturday the 12th is a write-off with a 16 mph cross breeze from the NNW making a mess of the 3 ft swell. Sunday the 13th is even worse with onshore winds. You’re better off staying on the beach. Monday morning the 14th though, we finally get a glimmer. The wind goes glassy from the SSE, dropping to just 3 mph, and though the swell is only 3 ft, it’s clean and that long 11-second period will give the reef something to work with. The lagoon will look pretty.

Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th see the swell building to 5 ft, but the wind picks up to 19 mph from the SE, staying cross-offshore. It’ll be clean but powerful, and the combined energy is ramping up from moderate to strong (949 - 1306). That’s decent, punchy surf, but you’ll want to be on your game. Thursday the 17th afternoon is a quiet gem – offshore wind from the ENE at 9 mph, with a clean 4 ft southwest swell. It’ll be tidy and fun, with gentle lines.

Now, the standout window is the second week. There’s a little dry spell Friday the 18th through the weekend, with the swell dropping off and the wind getting messy. But hold onto your board for Monday the 21st. We start seeing some proper energy building, and by Tuesday the 22nd, Cactus absolutely lights up. Tuesday afternoon (22nd September) is the pick of the fortnight. You’ve got a clean 7 ft SW groundswell with a 16-second period, gentle offshore wind from the east at 9 mph. The combined energy is massive at 2070. This is excellent, world-class reef surf for experienced chargers. The sets will be clean, lined up, and powerful.

Wednesday the 23rd afternoon keeps the quality high with a 5 ft swell and offshore NE winds, still very good. But Tuesday the 22nd is the one to circle. It is, without doubt, the best session on offer. The water temp is around 60°F, which is bang on average for this time of year, so a decent 4/3 should do you.

Later in the week, Friday the 25th morning brings another spike with a 6 ft, 19-second groundswell and light ESE winds. That’s a lot of water moving, but the long period will make it fast and deep – best for the experienced crew at this reef. Saturday the 26th is still solid but the winds turn a bit more side-off. Overall, we’ve got a great run of clean, powerful swell. Don’t sleep on that Tuesday.

Rusty.

Read more