Empty Lots Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you – the next 16 days at Empty Lots are a mixed bag. For the most part, we’re staring down a whole lot of chop, cross-shore wind, and marginal conditions. The water’s sitting at 81°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

We kick off Thursday 3rd September and it’s grim. A 6ft east swell, 8-second period, and a fresh 22 mph cross-shore easterly has the place all lumpy and messy. Combined wave energy is 954 – weak – and it’s just poor. Thursday afternoon doesn’t get any better. Friday 4th sees a shift: the swell drops to 4-5ft from the south with a longer 12-second period, but that 22 mph cross-shore easterly is still ruining any chance of clean waves. Energy climbs to 1240-1265, but it’s still marginal at best. Saturday 5th brings a 7ft east swell, 13-second period, and the wind backs off to 16-19 mph cross-shore. Energy jumps to over 2000 – moderate – but the cross-chop is a deal-breaker. Sunday 6th has a 7ft SSW swell, 12-second period, but the risk of thunderstorms and a 12 mph cross-shore wind keeps things marginal. Still, energy hits 2581-2852.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting – Monday 7th September. This is the standout. We’ve got an 12ft SSW groundswell with a 15-second period in the morning, and by the afternoon it pumps up to a massive 23ft from the same direction. Energy goes through the roof – 7051 in the morning and a staggering 23426 by the afternoon. That is very strong energy. Problem is, the wind swings cross-onshore from the ESE at 22-28 mph, so it’s messy. And honestly, at 23ft, this is only for experts. The afternoon session gets a top score for conditions, but that size is intimidating and the wind will make it wild. This is a big-wave day for the brave only.

After that, Tuesday 8th drops back to a 7ft south swell, 9-second period, and the wind turns cross-onshore from the SSW at 16 mph. It’s poor. The rest of the week is a write-off with small 3-3ft swell, short period, and fresh easterly cross-shore winds. The following Saturday 12th sees a 5ft east swell, 8-second period, and a gentle 9 mph cross-shore breeze – marginal but cleaner. Sunday 13th offers the best of the second week: a 6ft east swell, 9-second period, with a light 9-12 mph cross-offshore northeasterly and clean conditions. Energy is 620 – weak – but it’s rideable. Monday 14th has a 8ft east-northeast swell, 8-second period, and light onshore winds – not great but not terrible. Then Tuesday 15th September brings a real treat: a 4ft southwest groundswell with an absurdly long 21-second period, glassy conditions, and combined energy of 1486. That’s excellent for experienced surfers. The long period means it’ll be best at a reef or point break, but the size is manageable. After that, the swell drops off into the 3-5ft range with increasing cross-shore winds, so it fades out.

Overall, the only true standout is Monday 7th September for the sheer size and power, but it’s for experts only. The second-week highlight is Tuesday 15th with that glassy, long-period groundswell – a gem for those in the know. Crowds at Empty Lots can pop up sometimes, so keep that in mind. Otherwise, it’s a long stretch of mediocrity. Rusty out.

Read more