Empty Lots Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

We’re looking at a pretty bleak stretch for Empty Lots. This is a reef break that needs a clean SSE swell, but what we’ve got coming in is a messy mix of wind and cross-chop that just won’t line up. The water temp is sitting at 81°F, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The surf kicks off on Friday the 4th of September, but it’s not exactly a celebration. We’ve got a 5ft south swell pushing through with a 13-second period, but a stiff 22 mph cross-shore wind from the ENE is putting a real chop on it. The combined energy is moderate (1288), but the wind is going to ruin it for us. Friday afternoon isn’t any better, with the same wind and only a marginal surf forecast. Honestly, this is a write-off for paddle surfing.

Saturday the 5th sees a bump in size to 6ft, but the direction shifts to the east, which is off the optimum for this break. The wind stays cross-shore and brisk, keeping the surface lumpy. The energy ticks up to a strong 2308 on Saturday afternoon, but with the wind, it’s still just a messy, marginal situation.

Sunday the 6th offers the biggest swell of the early period, with 7ft to 7ft from the SSW, and a solid 14-second period. The combined energy jumps to a strong 3272 on Sunday afternoon, and the wind drops to a moderate 12 mph cross-shore. This is the best on offer in the first week, but it’s still not clean. The cross-chop will be there, and with a risk of thunderstorms, it’s not a reliable session. It’s a glimmer, but not a standout.

From Monday the 7th through to the end of the 16-day window, it’s a poor run. The swell gets bigger—over 8ft and even 11ft on Monday—but the wind turns cross-onshore and howls, creating dangerous, choppy conditions. The energy is very strong (7698 on Monday afternoon), but this is strictly for experts only, and even then, it looks more like a kite-surfing setup than a paddle session. The long-period groundswell (15 seconds) will be tricky on this reef, making it too straight for a good time.

From Tuesday the 8th onward, the swell drops and the wind stays cross or cross-onshore, with most days showing poor surf conditions. There’s a brief moment on Wednesday the 9th with a tiny 3ft swell and a light breeze, but the energy is weak (503) and the wind is still cross-onshore. It’s not worth the paddle out.

The second week is a total washout. The swell is small, the period is often short or very long, and the wind is relentless from the ENE. Friday the 11th and Tuesday the 15th have some marginal energy, but the wind will kill it. There’s really nothing to get excited about here.

If you absolutely have to get wet, Sunday the 6th is your best bet, but it’s a long way from perfect. Otherwise, this is a blank run for Empty Lots.

Rusty.

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