Etang-Sale Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for the Etang-Sale reef.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a bit of a slow start. The first few days are pretty ordinary with small, weak swell and not much to get excited about. The water temperature is sitting about average for this time of year, so no surprises there. We’ll see a little pulse of energy arrive on the 4th of September, but it’s messy with cross-onshore winds, so don’t get your hopes up.

The real standout is Saturday, the 5th of September. That morning, the swell bumps up to 6 ft from the SW with a clean offshore wind from the SSE. The combined energy is a solid 1251 (moderate), and the period is a nice 14 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. This is a reef break, so that long period will wrap in nicely. The water is clean, and while the spot can get crowded sometimes, the conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. The afternoon holds up with 5 ft and clean conditions, just a touch less energy.

Sunday the 6th is a bit of a mixed bag, but the afternoon is a gem. The wind goes dead calm, glassy as can be, with 4 ft of SW swell and a combined energy of 1112 (moderate). The morning is a bit cross-onshore, but that afternoon glass-off is the one to aim for.

Monday the 7th of September morning is another cracker: 6 ft, glassy conditions, and a combined energy of 1348 (moderate). It’s excellent for the experienced crew.

Now, things get big. From the 8th of September onwards, the swell really fires up. The 8th morning sees 15 ft with a strong offshore breeze, but the combined energy is 6636 (very strong) – this is expert territory only. The surf quality is marginal because it’s so big, and the wind is strong, making it hard to paddle into. The 9th of September morning is predicted to be too big for this break, with 15 ft and combined energy of 18648 (very strong). If you’re not a seasoned charger, sit this one out.

The 11th of September Friday morning settles back down to a more manageable 6 ft from the S with a gentle offshore wind and a combined energy of 1620 (strong). That’s a solid option for the experienced surfer.

The 12th of September Saturday is glassy with 8 ft to 8 ft from the ESE, but the period is short at 8-9 seconds. That’s a windswell, so it won’t have the same push as the groundswell earlier in the week. Still, with glassy conditions, it’s worth a look for the experts.

The second week is a bit of a fade. The 13th of September sees a drop-off, with small, ordinary surf, and the 14th is poor. The 15th of September Tuesday has a small 3 ft swell with a clean offshore wind, and the 16th of September Wednesday morning brings a 10 ft swell from the S, but with a short period and a fresh offshore breeze. That’s a big, windy, and tricky one.

Overall, the best bet is Saturday the 5th of September, with Sunday the 6th afternoon and Monday the 7th morning as close runners-up. That first weekend is your window.

Stay safe out there.
Rusty.

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