Cobden Beach - The Channel Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the table for the next couple of weeks.

We're kicking off with a bit of a slow start, but there is one standout that's worth circling on the calendar. The water temp is sitting at 54.5°F, which is about 0.5°F above the norm for this time of year – nothing wild, just your standard chilly start to the day.

The first real chance to get wet comes early Thursday morning, August 27, at Cobden Beach - The Channel. It's a beginner-friendly spot that's consistent and exposed to the swell. The early session sees a 6.2ft swell from the WNW, with a period of 9 seconds, and a cross-off breeze from the east at 12 mph. The combined energy is moderate (815). It's clean, but the forecast is a bit marginal, so don't expect perfection. Still, for a Thursday morning, it's a solid option.

By Thursday afternoon, the swell kicks up to 7.5ft from the NW, but the wind swings to a cross-shore from the NNE at 16 mph, and the energy jumps to 935. The report says it's a bit too big for this break, so if you're a beginner, maybe sit this one out.

Friday, August 28, is a write-off. Heavy rain and a 13.1ft swell from the NNW with a cross-on wind. The energy is massive (3710), but it's messy. Poor conditions all day.

Saturday, August 29, is a bit of a letdown. The swell drops to 4.9-5.2ft from the W, but the wind is cross-on and the energy is moderate (942-702). Both morning and afternoon are marginal with light rain and cloudy skies. Not much to get excited about.

Sunday, August 30, and Monday, August 31, are a washout. Fresh cross-on winds, big swell (7.2ft to 14.8ft), and lumpy, messy seas. The energy is pumping (2314 to 8494), but it's not for paddling – this is more of a kite-surfing setup if you're into that.

Now, here's the good news. Tuesday, September 1, offers a real gem. The morning session has a 11.5ft swell from the W with a 10-second period, a cross-shore breeze from the SW at 9 mph, and energy of 2651. The report says it's too big for the break, but it's clean and the wind is manageable. Then, Tuesday afternoon glass off – wind goes to 0 mph, the swell is 9.8ft from the W with a 14-second period, and energy is 3083. If you're an experienced surfer, this is your window. The glassy conditions will make for some epic, clean waves. The long period (14 seconds) means it's a groundswell, so it'll be powerful and well-shaped, but the sets might be a bit spread out.

Wednesday, September 2, through to the end of the first week, the conditions turn poor again with onshore winds and big swell. There's a window on Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4, but the wind is again onshore and the swell is too big for the break. The energy stays high (1999-3640), but it's not worth paddling out.

Moving into the second week, the outlook is mostly for experienced surfers only. Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, have big swell (6.9ft to 8.2ft) from the W with long periods (14-15 seconds), but strong onshore winds make it a mess. Energy is massive (1803-3712). Not good for paddling.

Monday, September 7, sees a 11.5ft to 14.8ft swell from the W and WNW, with a cross-shore breeze from the SW at 12-16 mph. The energy is huge (4774-5239) and the report says it's too big for the break. This is expert territory.

The real standout of the second week is Tuesday, September 8. The morning has a 19.7ft swell from the W with a 16-second period, a light cross-off breeze from the south at 3 mph, and energy of 19708. The afternoon sees a 16.4ft swell from the W with a 17-second period, a cross-shore breeze from the WSW at 9 mph, and energy of 14102. This is massive, thick groundswell. The wind is light, and the conditions are clean. But let me be clear: this is only for the most experienced, expert surfers. The size and power are extreme. The long period (16-17 seconds) means it'll be a deep-water swell, and it'll break heavy and fast. If you're not a pro, stay on the beach.

Wednesday, September 9, through Friday, September 11,

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