Depressions Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. I’ve had a good look at what’s heading our way, and I gotta be straight with you – it’s a tough stretch ahead for Depressions. We’re not looking at any proper standouts here, just a long run of small, messy conditions. The water’s sitting at a balmy 71°F, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a weird one, about 7°F above average. Feels more like a bath than the usual late-winter chill.

The pattern kicks off on Friday, August 28 with a tiny 1ft south swell, long period at 19 seconds, but the cross-on wind from the west at 6 mph is just enough to mess up what little energy there is. Combined energy is weak at 315, and the waves are basically unrideable. That afternoon gets worse – a 3ft windswell from the WNW with only 8 seconds of period and the same cross-on breeze. Poor stuff.

Saturday, August 29, starts with a 2ft SW swell, longer period at 17 seconds, but again that cross-on WSW wind kills it. The combined energy jumps to 567 – moderate – but the waves are still a mess. By afternoon, wind picks up to 16 mph from the WNW, whipping up a choppy 6ft windswell with a period of just 6 seconds. That’s not surf, that’s a washing machine. Maybe kite-surfing material, but not for paddling.

Sunday the 30th through to the end of the first week is more of the same. We get some long-period SSW groundswell – 15 to 17 seconds – but heights stay below 3ft, and the cross-on wind never really lets up. The combined energy fluctuates between 235 and 518, so there’s some push in the water, but it’s all junked up. The swell direction is from the SSW, which isn’t bad for Depressions, but the wind angle is just off enough to ruin it. Every session is marked as “poor surf conditions” – no good.

Into the second week, things don’t improve. From Monday, September 7, through to Saturday, September 12, we’re stuck with tiny waves – 1ft to 3ft – mostly from the SSW or S. There are a couple of mornings with offshore wind from the SW or SSW at 6 mph, which would normally clean things up, but the swell is just too small. Combined energy hits 516 on Saturday morning, September 12, with a 3ft south swell at 13 seconds – that’s the best we’ve got, but it’s still a marginal call. Crowds at Depressions can pop up sometimes, but honestly, with this quality, you’ll likely have it to yourself.

Bottom line: there’s no day in this 16-day window that I’d call a standout. The best bet is probably the morning of Saturday, September 12, if you’re desperate for a paddle – light offshore wind, chest-high-ish south swell – but keep expectations low. This is one of those stretches where the ocean just isn’t cooperating. Forecasts can change, but right now, it’s a waiting game.

- Rusty

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