Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what the ocean's got cookin' for us over the next couple of weeks at Clifton Beach.

It's a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. We've got some serious size coming through, but it's not always going to play nice with this spot. The energy in the water is going to be a big talking point, especially when that big south-west groundswell rolls in.

Thursday, September 10th kicks things off. The morning is looking pretty decent, with a clean 6 ft south swell. It's got that long 16-second period behind it, so there's plenty of grunt but those sets will be well-spaced. The wind is a light north-westerly, so it's a cross-off breeze, keeping things tidy. The combined swell energy is a solid 1735, but this one's probably best left for the experienced crew. By the afternoon, the wind swings west and picks up, turning the surf a bit lumpy, so get on it early.

Now, Friday, September 11th is where things get spicy. The morning will be absolutely pumping with an 12 ft south-west swell, but that is a lot of water moving around. The energy reading is off the charts at 8055, so this is serious power. The wind is glassy and the swell period is 15 seconds, so it will be clean and lined up, but this is a big-wave day. Unless you're an expert with a big-gun, give it a wide berth. It stays big and powerful through the afternoon but picks up a cross-onshore bump.

Saturday, September 12th we see the swell drop back. The morning glass-off with a 4 ft south swell (energy 935) will be your best shot for a fun, clean session. It's glassy and the 17-second period will make for some beautiful, pushy waves. The afternoon turns a bit onshore and messy though.

The rest of the week into Monday, September 14th sees the swell fade away to tiny, bumpy leftovers. Tuesday, September 15th is a write-off with a strong westerly storm blowing straight onshore, creating a terrible, choppy mess even though there's a 6 ft swell. You don't want any part of that.

There's another pulse of energy showing up on Wednesday, September 16th, but the wind is all over the place, keeping it choppy. It looks more interesting for the kite surfers than us paddle guys.

The pattern gets back on track for Thursday, September 17th. A glassy morning with a clean 4 ft south-west swell and a 15-second period. That’s a lovely combo and the light offshore north-northwest wind will make for some clean, peeling faces. This one's a real contender.

Saturday, September 19th morning also has a very nice window. A clean 5 ft south swell with a 12-second period and a gentle offshore breeze. It won't be as long-period, but it’ll be super clean and fun for a wide range of abilities.

Looking further out, Tuesday, September 22nd morning might offer a clean little 3 ft south-west groundswell with a light offshore wind. A good option for a longboard if you're patient.

Then we have a final big pulse on Wednesday, September 23rd. An 8 ft south-west swell with a powerful 18-second period (energy 3663) is due in. This is another big one, but the cross-shore wind will likely keep it from being perfect. It's still one for experts only.

The very last option in the window is Friday, September 25th morning. A glassy, clean 4 ft south swell. A fantastic way to finish the run if the forecast holds.

The Pick of the Window:
For the best all-rounder, Saturday morning, September 12th is the standout for most surfers. That glass-off and clean 4 ft south swell will be a dream.
If you're an experienced surfer looking for power, the Friday morning, September 11th session is massive, but it's purely for the big-wave chargers.

Stay safe, and I'll catch you in the water.

Rusty

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