Downtowns Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let's cut through the static and look at what's on the table.

Overall, we've got a promising run of swell from the SW direction through most of the window, and the big story is that the winds are looking clean for a lot of it. The water temp is sitting at 80°F, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year.

Downtowns is the only spot on the books, a reef setup that handles a SW swell well. The real magic starts to build on Friday afternoon, September 11th. That afternoon, the wind turns glassy, and we've got a solid 6ft SW groundswell with a period that stretches out to 16 seconds. The energy is moderate (1919), but that combo of glassy conditions and a long-period SW swell is a proper draw. For an advanced surfer, that’s a session to circle.

The swell keeps rolling through the weekend. Sunday afternoon, September 13th, looks like the real standout. You've got a 7ft SW swell, a 17-second period, the wind goes glassy again, and the energy jumps up to a strong 2869. This is clean, powerful, lined-up reef surf. For experienced folks, that’s about as good as a forecast gets.

The pattern holds into the week. Monday afternoon, September 21st, sees another sweet setup: 6ft SW swell, 14-second period, and glassy wind again (1637 energy). Then we get another notable pulse. Tuesday, September 22nd, the afternoon session looks prime with a 8ft SSW swell, a 16-second period, and glassy conditions. The energy is very strong at 2787. That’s a lot of water moving.

Further out, towards the end of the month, there are some big numbers on the board. Saturday, September 26th, has a 8ft SSW swell with an 18-second period. The wind is glassy in the afternoon, and the wave energy hits a massive 3032. That is a very powerful, long-period groundswell. For this reef, that should be a sight to see, but only for those with experience.

I should mention that on the 25th, we see a SW swell with a 21-second period. That is a very, very long period, so the sets will be widely spaced but packing a punch. It will be best for this reef setup, not for a fickle beach break.

A few mornings here and there have some cross or cross-onshore wind, but the consistent afternoon glass-off windows are the real story. If you’re surfing this spot, you want the afternoon sessions. This is a break that can get crowded, so get out there early for the cleanest ones.

For the first week, the call is solid. The second week’s standouts on the 22nd and 26th are promising, but we’ll keep an eye on the details as they get closer.

Stay frothy.

- Rusty

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