Farmer Burgers Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, looking at what’s on offer at Farmer Burgers over the next couple of weeks. It’s a reef setup that faces WSW, and the water’s sitting at a chilly 56°, which is about 4° colder than usual for this time of year – that’s a notable drop, so you’ll want the thickest rubber you’ve got.

Right now, we’re in a bit of a flat spell, so don’t bother paddling out just yet. The first real chance of a wave comes Thursday 28 August in the morning. It’s tiny – only 2ft from the WSW, but it has a very long 16-second period, which gives it some life. The wind is glassy, so that small swell will look clean. The combined energy is moderate at 334, but honestly, it’s not going to blow you away. It’s a gentle start for a quiet session.

Then everything goes south. Friday 29 August through Monday 1 September, the wind howls onshore or cross-onshore, blowing up to 28 mph, and while the swell builds to a solid 7ft from the SW with a combined energy of 2177 (strong), it’s going to be a choppy, messy nightmare. Not worth it unless you’re after a washing machine cycle.

Now, here’s the standout. Tuesday 1 September morning. The swell drops to a clean 5ft from the SW with an 11-second period, but the key here is the glassy wind – flat calm or a slight air. That’s the magic window. Combined energy is 604 (moderate), and it’s shaping up for very good surf conditions. This is the one to circle on your calendar. Surf will be clean, with fun lines coming through. It’s intermediate friendly at that size, so get out there early.

Wednesday 2 September gets wild – 11ft to 13ft from the WSW with periods up to 19 seconds and combined energy hitting 8328 (very strong). That’s a proper groundswell, but the wind turns strong cross-onshore, kicking it into a messy, dangerous mess. Only for experts, and even then, it’s sketchy. Not recommended for a paddle session – looks more interesting for kiting.

The rest of the first week into the second week is a mixed bag of onshore winds and average swell. Thursday 3 September through Monday 7 September, we’ve got 5ft to 8ft waves, but the wind stays cross or cross-onshore, and the conditions are marginal at best. Saturday 5 September sees the swell drop to 2ft with combined energy down to 91 (weak) – a total dud.

Another little bright spot: Tuesday 8 September morning. Glassy wind again, 3ft from the WSW with a 13-second period, combined energy at 353 (moderate). Not a standout, but a decent clean morning if you’re keen for a cruise.

Then a long gap of poor surf and crummy wind until the real wild card shows up on Friday 11 September morning. Calm, glassy conditions, and a 7ft swell from the west – that’s a solid size – with a 10-second period. Combined energy is 958 (moderate to strong). This one’s promising, but it’s nearly two weeks out, so keep an eye on the forecasts. If it holds, that morning could be the best session of the whole outlook.

Bottom line: Tuesday 1 September morning is the true standout – glassy, clean, and fun-sized. Friday 11 September morning is the long-range hopeful. The rest is a lot of wind and waiting.

Rusty.

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