Fairhaven Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming up for Fairhaven over the next couple of weeks. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but there are definitely some moments worth marking on the calendar, especially if you’re an experienced surfer.

Straight up, Fairhaven is a beginner-friendly spot that rarely breaks, so when it does turn on, it’s a real treat. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no wetsuit dramas. The first real opportunity rolls in this Saturday morning, the 29th of August. We’ve got a clean 6ft SW groundswell, period a solid 14 seconds, with glassy offshore wind from the WNW at just 3 mph. The combined swell energy is strong, sitting at 1500. This is excellent for experienced surfers, but beginners be warned – the size is pushing your limit. The wind is perfect, so expect clean faces at dawn.

Saturday afternoon sees the wind swing onshore from the S at 9 mph, making things a bit messy, and the quality drops right off. Give it a miss.

Sunday the 30th is a no-go. The morning has a cross-shore wind and the swell jumps to 8ft, but the conditions are marginal and the score is low. Afternoon is even worse with onshore wind.

Monday the 31st is another standout morning. Glassy conditions return with a light N wind at 3 mph, and the swell holds at 8ft from the SW, period 14 seconds. The combined energy is strong at 2562. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers again, clean and powerful. A fantastic window before the winds shift onshore in the afternoon.

Tuesday the 1st of September has a solid 8ft SW swell with a very long 16-second period, but the morning wind is a moderate cross-offshore from the NNW at 12 mph. It’s clean, but the energy is moderate-strong (2412). The crowd factor: this spot can get busy, so be prepared. The long period means the waves will have more power and shape, but at a beach break like this, they might break a bit straight.

Wednesday the 2nd sees the swell bump up to 10ft from the WSW, with a 15-second period, and combined energy hitting a strong 6130. The morning has a cross-shore wind, creating a bit of chop, so it’s only for experts. But the afternoon is pure magic – glassy conditions, zero wind, and a still-hefty 8ft SW swell. That afternoon window is exceptional for those who can handle it.

From Thursday the 3rd through Friday the 4th, the swell stays big – 10ft to 13ft – with clean cross-offshore winds. However, by Friday, the swell is predicted to be too big for this break, with energy over 4000. Only the most experienced should even consider it.

The weekend of the 5th and 6th of September is a write-off. The swell is still big but the winds turn onshore and choppy, with rain on Sunday. The scores are zero.

The following week, from Monday the 7th to Wednesday the 9th, is mostly poor. Onshore winds, rain, and messy conditions. There’s a brief clean-up on Tuesday the 8th morning with a 7ft SSW swell, but the period drops to 11 seconds, and the energy is weak-moderate (1295). Not worth the paddle.

Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th offer some hope. Thursday afternoon has a 7ft SW swell with a 16-second period – very long period, which will give great shape but long lulls. The wind is gentle cross-shore, creating slight chop. Combined energy is moderate-strong (2146). Friday morning and afternoon are cleaner, with a 6ft SW swell, 14-15 second period, and cross-offshore winds. These are small but clean sessions for the experienced.

Saturday the 12th is another onshore mess. Then Sunday the 13th finishes the forecast with a big 10ft SW swell, 16-second period, cross-offshore wind, and a massive combined energy of 4404. Clean, but strictly for experts only.

Overall, the best on offer is Monday morning the 31st of August and Wednesday afternoon the 2nd of September. Both give you clean, glassy or near-glassy conditions with solid SW groundswell. Early birds will win.

Rusty.

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