Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s comin’ down the pipe at Clifton Beach.

We start off with a bit of lull, but it picks up quick. The first surf worth paddlin’ out for is this Saturday morning, the 12th of September. Got a clean 4ft south swell with a long 16-second period pushin’ in. That’s proper groundswell energy, moderate wave energy churnin’ through (912). Wind’s off the NNE at just 3 mph, glassy as can be. Water temp’s sittin’ at 53°, bang on average for this time of year. This is the standout of the whole window—clean, good push, easy to get into a rhythm. That Saturday afternoon stays tidy with a smaller 4ft south swell and light cross-off breeze, but the morning is where it’s at.

Sunday morning the 13th holds a smaller 3ft SSW swell, still a long 16-second period, and a moderate offshore from the NNW at 12 mph keeps it clean. The combined energy dips a bit (333), but it’s still surfable and fun for a cruisy session.

Then we hit a dry spell. Monday the 14th through most of the following week is a write-off—tiny waves, poor conditions, cross-onshore winds, and messy churned-up water. There’s a spike of size midweek with a 5ft SSW swell on Wednesday afternoon the 16th, but the wind’s howlin’ cross-on from the WSW at 16 mph, so it’s gonna be lumpy and ugly. Not for paddlin’. That stretch from Monday the 14th right through to Friday the 18th is mostly poor or marginal; the only bright spot is Friday morning with a 4ft SSW swell and a 17-second period, but winds are up again, so it’s touch and go.

Now, look ahead to the 22nd of September—Tuesday morning—that’s another one to circle on the calendar. Clean 5ft SSW groundswell with a long 17-second period, light NW cross-off breeze at 6 mph. Energy’s solid (1186), and conditions are clean. That’s a ripper session for anyone who’s patient.

Wednesday the 23rd morning is a little gem too: 4ft SSW swell, 16-second period, 3 mph NNE breeze, and glassy as a mirror. Combined energy sits at (749). That’s a beautiful morning for a longboard or a mid-length.

Then the real crown jewel shows up on Friday the 25th of September morning. A 5ft SSW swell with a massive 19-second period—very long period groundswell. Light offshore NNE breeze at 6 mph, clean as. Combined energy pumps at (1724), and the forecast says excellent for experienced surfers. This is the best of the whole outlook, no question. Longer period like that will set up nicely at Clifton, but with that size and period, it’s more suited to experienced crew. Afternoon stays clean too with a 5ft SSW swell and cross-off breeze.

Overall, this run has a few standout days: the Saturday the 12th morning and the Friday the 25th morning are the absolute highlights. There’s a long gap of average-to-poor conditions from Monday the 14th through Thursday the 17th, but if you’re keen and picky, the 22nd and 23rd mornings deliver clean, fun surf.

Rusty.

Read more