Empty Lots Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

So for this stretch we’re looking at a tough run. The only break in the mix is Empty Lots, and honestly, it’s not looking great. There’s a long gap of straight-up poor conditions right through the end of August and into the first days of September. The wind is hammering cross-shore from the E/ENE at 18-22 mph nearly every day, just mangling the surface. The water’s sitting at 81°F which is about average for the time of year, so nothing wild there. But with a fresh cross-shore breeze and lumpy cross-chop, there's no quality to be had.

We finally get a whisper of something on the morning of Tuesday, September 1st – a marginal call with 2ft of SSW swell and a very long 18-second period (moderate energy around 769). The problem is, the wind is still cross-shore at 15-18 mph. That period is groundswell, which could line up nicely at a reef like Empty Lots, but the wind just kills it. Still, it’s the first sign of life.

Then we slide through a few more days of ‘poor surf conditions’ until Saturday, September 5th. The morning shows a jump in energy with 6ft from the ENE, 11-second period, and the combined energy hits a strong 1752. That’s proper power. But again – cross-shore wind at 18 mph. It’s a raw, bumpy mess. Too big and choppy for beginners, and only interesting for experts who don’t mind the wind.

The standout in this whole outlook is the Sunday afternoon, September 6th session. We get 5ft from the E at 11 seconds, combined energy at 1096 (strong), and the wind finally shifts to a cross-offshore from the NE at 15 mph. That’s clean. The reef at Empty Lots should start holding its shape. This is the one to pencil in. Not huge, but with the wind finally cooperating, it’ll be the best wave of the window. Be mindful that crowds are possible at Empty Lots.

After that, Monday the 7th through Wednesday the 9th sees the wind build back up to a strong breeze (22-28 mph) and the surf gets lumpy again. There’s a slight clean-up on Tuesday afternoon (September 8th) with cross-offshore wind, but the swell at 5ft from the E (10 seconds) is wind-affected by morning and the energy still has a messy feel.

Late in the run, around the 10th and 11th of September, we get risk of thunderstorms and the direction swings onshore from the SSE with strong wind. That’s a write-off.

So, bottom line: it’s a lean 16 days. The only real shout for a decent paddle is Sunday afternoon, September 6th at Empty Lots. Everything else is either wind-blasted or just marginal.

Stay patient, and keep an eye on the forecast – that 6th could be a little gem.

Rusty.

Read more