Fare Left Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking at Fare Left.

Overall, we’re looking at a slow start with a real ramp-up in the second week. The first few days are going to be a bit of a grind – clean enough, but the swell is just not doing us any favours. We’ve got a gap of no real action until the afternoon of Sunday, August 3rd, when things start to get interesting. The real standout event is set for the morning of Sunday, August 9th. That’s over a week away, so keep it in the back of your mind.

Right now, from Friday, July 31st through the morning of Sunday, August 3rd, it’s a mix of cross-off winds and marginal surf. The swell is small, mostly around 3ft to 4ft, and the energy is moderate at best, with readings in the 600-900 range. It’s not terrible, but you’re really just scratching around for a wave. The water temperature is 80°, which is about average for the time of year, so no worries there.

Then on Sunday afternoon, August 3rd, we get a glimmer. The wind goes offshore from the E, and the swell sticks around 4ft from the SSW. The energy jumps to 959 (moderate), and the period is a solid 14 seconds. That’s a proper groundswell. This is when the forecast starts saying “expect very good surf conditions.” The only catch? It’s a reef break, and that long period (14-16 seconds) will make it bend nicely around the reef. It’s a clean, fun wave for the experienced crew.

The real standout, though, is the morning of Sunday, August 9th. That’s the one. The swell is pumping at 10ft from the SSW, with a period of 16 seconds. The energy is massive – 5039 (very strong). This is big, serious groundswell. The wind is offshore from the E, and the forecast calls it “exceptional surf conditions for expert surfers.” This is not a day for beginners. 10ft is well over 8ft, so it’s strictly for the experts. The long period will make it wall up and hold its shape nicely on the reef. It’s going to be a beast, and it’s the best on offer by a long shot. Crowds are possible, but with this size, only the brave will be out.

The days leading up to that, from Thursday, August 6th, the swell is already building. You’ll see 6ft to 8ft SSW swell with periods of 15-18 seconds. The energy is high, in the 2400-2800 range. The wind is cross-off, so it’s clean, but the size is pushing into expert territory. Thursday morning, August 6th, is a solid session for the experienced, with excellent conditions.

After the big Sunday, the swell drops back but stays rideable through Monday, August 10th, though the wind ramps up to a strong breeze (25-28 mph) from the SE. That’s going to make it choppy and a bit of a battle. By Tuesday, August 11th, through to the end of the forecast, the wind is howling, the swell is dropping, and the conditions turn poor. Not worth the paddle.

So, for the best bet: set your alarm for the morning of Sunday, August 9th at Fare Left. Big, clean, offshore, and heavy. That’s the one.

- Rusty

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