Fingal Point and Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

First thing’s first – the next ten days or so are flat out grim. We’re looking at a long stretch of small, messy, or just plain poor surf. The first half of the forecast period is a write-off for any decent paddle. From Saturday the 5th right through to the 15th of September, the wave heights barely register, mostly hovering around 0.7 ft to 1 ft. The wind is mostly cross or cross-onshore, and the energy is pathetic – you’re looking at combined energy readings of 10 to 55 (weak energy) for the most part. It’s the kind of setup that’s more interesting for a kite than a surfboard. Honestly, don’t even bother checking the high tide.

There is a tiny flicker of hope on Sunday the 6th. The morning has a northerly wind that’s cross-offshore, and the swell bumps up to 4 ft with a short period of 6 seconds. The combined energy hits 106 (moderate wave energy). The afternoon cleans right up with glassy-like conditions and a 4 ft wave, though the period is still short. It’s surfable, but the conditions are very ordinary. It’s a beginner-plus spot, so it’s not a total loss if you’re just learning, but don’t expect a gem.

The real standout, and the only one worth marking on the calendar, is Thursday the 17th of September. Early morning at Fingal Point and Beach (point break) we’ve got a proper groundswell arriving. The swell is 5 ft from the SE with a very long period of 15 seconds, and the wind is a clean cross-offshore from the NNW. The combined energy jumps to 778 (strong wave energy). That’s the kind of energy that gets the heart pumping. The water temperature is 70°F, which is about average for the time of year – nothing unusual here. This is a long-period swell, so it’s going to be better organised and have more push, but those long gaps between sets will make paddling out easier. Because it’s a point break, it should handle that long period nicely. The crowd factor is “sometimes,” so you might have company, but it’s not a zoo.

The following morning, Friday the 18th, pushes even bigger. We’re looking at 7 ft from the SE with a 16-second period, and combined energy hits 2475 (very strong wave energy). That’s expert territory. The wind is light from the NNE, so it’s nearly glassy. It’s a big, powerful, clean swell, but at that size, it’s for the experienced crew only. The afternoon drops to 7 ft but the wind turns onshore from the ENE, messing it up a bit.

After that, the swell quickly fades and the wind swings around to the south, bringing chop and lumpy conditions through the 19th and 20th, so don’t get too attached.

Bottom line: the first week and a half is a total dud. The best bet is the 17th of September, with the 18th for the big-wave specialists. The 6th of September is a mulligan for beginners.

Rusty.

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