East Runton Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get real about this stretch ahead. I’ve looked at the charts and honestly, it’s a tough one for East Runton. The whole 16-day window is pretty much a write-off for decent paddling. There’s just nothing with any real push or quality lining up. We’re looking at a long, quiet spell with barely a ripple worth mentioning.

From Thursday the 27th of August all the way through to Friday the 11th of September, the surf is consistently poor. The combined wave energy never gets above a weak 116 (on the 9th of September afternoon), and even that comes with a messy cross-onshore wind and a short, weak period. Most days the energy is down in the double digits or even single digits, which is basically flat. The swell heights are tiny, mostly under 2 ft to 4 ft, but with periods of 4 to 9 seconds, so there’s no punch. The only good news is that the water temperature is about average for this time of year, so at least it won’t be a shock when you get in.

The wind is a mixed bag, but it’s not enough to save the day. On the 27th morning, we get a 3 ft windswell from the east with a 5-second period, but it’s cross-shore and onshore, just a lumpy mess. The 27th afternoon cleans up a bit with a light cross-offshore breeze, but the swell is still tiny and weak. The 28th sees offshore winds, but the swell drops to 2 ft and 2 ft – not worth the drive. The 29th is almost flat with 0.3 ft and fresh offshore winds, which is just a skunk session. The 30th and 31st are similar, with 1 ft, clean conditions, but no energy. The first week of September is a repeat of the same story: 2 ft or less, clean but gutless.

Even the 8th and 9th of September, when the swell nudges up to 3 ft and 4 ft, the period is still short (5-6 seconds) and the wind is cross or cross-onshore, creating chop. The 9th afternoon has the highest energy at 116, but it’s a short-period, cross-onshore mess. The 10th and 11th are back to weak, lumpy conditions.

So, there’s no standout session. No one day to circle on the calendar. It’s a blank run for East Runton, and it’s not unusual for this area when the stars don’t align. The best bet for anyone who absolutely has to get wet is the 27th afternoon or 28th morning, when the wind is light or offshore, but you’ll be scratching for any little waist-high bump. For the rest of us, it’s a time to clean the wax off the board, check the gear, and wait for the next proper swell.

Rusty, signing off.

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