Downtowns Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a solid run of swell coming through, with the standout being a long-period groundswell that builds right into the start of the month. The first real action kicks off Sunday the 30th of August and it’s looking like a proper treat.

The whole period is centred on one spot, Downtowns, a reef break that’s fairly consistent and exposed to the SW. It’s an advanced wave, so not one for the beginners. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Sunday the 30th is the real gem. The morning starts with a clean 5ft SW swell at a nice 13-second period, with glassy conditions and barely a breath of wind. The wave energy is moderate (971) and the surf is just about perfect. The afternoon holds the same quality, with the wind swinging light offshore from the ESE, keeping it glassy. This is the pick of the entire forecast. The swell direction is exactly what this break wants.

Monday the 31st, the swell pulses up. Morning is a bit messy with a cross-shore wind, but the afternoon turns it on – 5ft of SW swell at 18 seconds, a very long-period groundswell, with glassy conditions. The energy is strong (1795). This is a serious wave, but that long period might make it a bit too straight for a beach break; at a reef like Downtowns, it’s going to be chunky and powerful.

Tuesday the 1st of September gets bigger. The morning sees 7ft of SW swell at 18 seconds, with clean, light cross-offshore winds. The energy is very strong (2646). This is getting into expert-only territory. The afternoon holds similar size and quality with offshore winds.

Wednesday the 2nd stays chunky, with 7ft to 7ft SW swell, but the morning has a cross-shore breeze that messes the surface a bit. The afternoon cleans up nicely with cross-offshore winds.

From Thursday the 3rd, the swell starts to ease back, but there are still good windows. The afternoon of the 3rd gives you 5ft of SW swell with glassy conditions.

The second week gets a bit more mixed. The swell hangs around, but the wind is more often cross or cross-on. The 8th of September has a big spike in the afternoon – 7ft of SSW swell at a massive 19 seconds, with very strong energy (4259). The wind is cross-shore, so it won’t be perfect, but that’s a lot of water moving. The 9th is similar size and cross-shore winds.

The 10th of September afternoon shapes up nicely with 6ft of SSW swell and clean winds from the SE. The 11th and 12th also have clean afternoons with offshore winds and easing swell.

The 13th of September Sunday afternoon brings a clean 6ft SW swell with offshore winds from the east, a nice way to finish the 16-day window.

There are no gaps without surf; it’s a steady run of waves, but the quality is best on the first Sunday and Monday. Stick to the mornings and afternoons with offshore or glassy wind for the cleanest rides.

Rusty.

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