Camel Rock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Camel Rock over the next couple of weeks.

We’re in for a bit of a slow burn at the start. The first real surf worth talking about doesn’t show up until Thursday afternoon, 17 September. Before that, Monday through to Thursday morning is pretty ordinary. The swell is on the way, but the winds are a mess – mostly cross-onshore or cross-shore, leaving things choppy and jumbled. You’ll see 5 ft to 6 ft of NW swell but with that short 7-8 second period, it’s just weak and messy. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

Thursday 17 September afternoon – Now we’re talking. The wind goes glassy, dead calm, and the swell drops to a clean 5 ft from the NW at 8 seconds. Combined wave energy is moderate, sitting around 461. It’s the first window where things come together. This is the best call of the early part of the run. Crowds are possible, so keep an eye out.

Friday 18 September – Don’t get tricked. Swell direction swings to the SW, and while the period jumps to 19 seconds (proper long-period groundswell), the height drops to just 2 ft. Not enough push for a decent ride. The wind is cross-on or cross-shore, so save your energy.

Saturday 19 September to Monday 21 September morning – We’re in the middle of a NW pulse again. Heights build from 4 ft to 6 ft, period stays around 8 seconds. Winds are mostly light cross-onshore. It’s marginal, but there are a few rideable mornings if you’re desperate. Nothing special.

Monday 21 September afternoon – This is a standout. Swell hits 8 ft from the NW, period at 8 seconds, and combined energy jumps to 997 (moderate to strong). Wind is light cross-shore. The size is pushing into that zone where beginners might struggle – over 8 ft is expert territory, but 8 ft is still a fun step up for intermediates. This is the best afternoon of the first week.

Tuesday 22 September – The peak of the swell. Morning sees 8 ft NW at 9 seconds, energy at 1064. Afternoon bumps to 8 ft NW at 9 seconds, energy hitting 1220. That’s strong wave energy. But the wind is cross-onshore, making it a bit bumpy. This is expert-only territory. If you’ve got the skills and a big board, you might find a few. If not, it’s a good day to watch.

Wednesday 23 September to Thursday 24 September morning – Swell backs off to 4 ft to 6 ft. The wind stays light cross-onshore or cross-shore. Still marginal, but Thursday morning looks a little cleaner.

Thursday 24 September afternoon – Another beauty. Glassy conditions return, with 4 ft from the WNW at 10 seconds. Energy is 449. Clean, fun, smaller waves. Perfect for a sunset session.

Friday 25 September – The pick of the whole extended run. Friday afternoon gives us dead calm, glassy conditions with 3 ft from the WNW at 9 seconds. Combined energy is a modest 289, but the quality will be top-notch. If you like clean, lined-up waves with no wind, this is your moment.

Saturday 26 September to Sunday 27 September – A little bumpy again, but Sunday morning is glassy with 6 ft from the NNW at 7 seconds, energy at 426. Short period, but clean and fun for a beach break.

Monday 28 September – Another glassy morning, 4 ft NW at 8 seconds. Then Monday afternoon goes bad – 2 ft from the WNW at 19 seconds, high period but no size, with cross-onshore wind.

Tuesday 29 September – The final note. Glassy conditions, 3 ft from the WNW at 16 seconds, energy at 599. It’s small but clean. A long-period groundswell like that is better for a point or reef, but on a sandbar like Camel Rock, it might wall up too straight.

Best on offer: Thursday 17 September afternoon for the first clean glass, Monday 21 September afternoon for the size and energy, and Friday 25 September afternoon for the ultimate clean, small-wave perfection. Tuesday 22 September is only for experts.

Rusty.

Read more