Cobden Breakwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into what’s on the menu for our local stretch of coast, focusing on Cobden Breakwater. This is a spot that needs a bit of savvy and a decent swell direction to get it right, and over the next couple of weeks, there’s a wild ride ahead.

We kick off Thursday, August 27th, with some actual surf on offer. The morning session is looking like a good entry point, with a 6.2 ft swell out of the WNW. The wind is blowing from the east, which is offshore for this break, so it’ll be clean and lined up. The water temperature is sitting at 54.5°, which is pretty standard for this time of year – nothing unusual there. The combined energy is moderate (815), so you’ll feel the push, but it’s not a beast. That afternoon, the swell jumps to 7.5 ft, but the wind swings around to a NNE cross-off, and the period drops to 8 seconds. It’s a bit shorter period, so the waves might be a bit lumpy and less powerful, but still rideable.

Friday, August 28th, is where things get serious. The morning brings a massive 13.1 ft swell from the NNW with a period of 11 seconds. The combined energy goes ballistic (3710), and the wind is a cross-off from the north. This is a lot of power, and for a breakwater setup, this is going to be a big, washing-machine style closeout. This is strictly for the experts only; if you’re not comfortable in heavy, powerful water, stay on the beach. The afternoon sees a 9.8 ft NNW swell, but the wind turns cross-on from the WNW, making it choppy and messy.

Saturday, August 29th, is a letdown. The morning has a 5.2 ft W swell with a 9-second period, but the wind is directly onshore from the west. It’s just a messy, bumpy wall. The afternoon is even worse, with a 4.9 ft swell and more onshore wind. You’re better off doing something else.

From Sunday, August 30th, through to Tuesday, September 1st morning, we’re on a grind. The swell is consistently big – 7.2 ft to 14.8 ft – but the wind is a nightmare. Strong westerly and southwesterly winds, some gusting 22 mph, are going to turn the surface into a complete chop-fest. The combined energy through this period is huge (over 2000 and up to 8494), but it’s all windswell and junk. This is kite-surfing weather, not paddle surfing.

Then we get a proper treat. Tuesday, September 1st afternoon. The wind drops to zero, turning glassy. The swell is 9.8 ft from the west, but with a very long 14-second period from a groundswell. The combined energy is massive (3083). The conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers, and that’s exactly right. The long period and glassy conditions will make for some heavy, powerful, and clean waves at the Breakwater, but the long period can make it break a bit straight and unpredictable on a breakwater. This is the standout session of the first week.

The rest of the first week into the second week (September 2nd to 5th) is a mixed bag. The swell stays in the 6.6 ft to 8.2 ft range with long periods (14-15 seconds), but the wind is all over the shop – cross-shore, cross-onshore. It’s not clean, and the scores are low. The swell is there, but the wind is just not cooperating.

Saturday, September 6th, and Sunday, September 7th, are written off. The wind is strong again, and the swell is too big (8.2 ft to 14.8 ft) with onshore or cross-shore winds. The combined energy is massive (up to 5239), but it’s a total mess.

Now, keep an eye on Monday, September 8th. The morning sees a massive 19.7 ft swell from the west with a 16-second period. The combined energy is a staggering 19708, the biggest of the whole outlook. The wind is light from the south, but it’s cross-on. This is a monster swell that is way too big for this break. The energy is insane, but it’s a complete no-go for paddle surfing.

Finally, we have a bit of a payoff in the second week. Wednesday, September 9th morning, the wind goes offshore from the east at 9 mph, with a 9.8 ft west swell at a 16-second period. The combined energy is 4174. This is clean, powerful, and with the offshore wind, it’ll be shaping up nicely. For experienced surfers, this is a real highlight. The afternoon is decent too with a 8.2 ft swell and a cross-off wind.

Thursday, September 10th, also looks promising. Both morning and afternoon see a 11.5 ft to 13.1 ft NW swell with a

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