Flatrock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

We’ve got one spot on the radar for the next couple of weeks: Flatrock, a reef break for the advanced crew. The water temp is sitting at 59.7°, which is only about 1.1° above the norm for this time of year, so pretty average – nothing to write home about there.

The first real action kicks off Thursday afternoon, September 3rd. We’re seeing a solid 11.5ft SW groundswell rolling in with a long period of 15 seconds, packing a massive punch (combined energy 4890). The wind is a cross-on shore though, making it a bit choppy and messy. It’s surfable if you’re desperate, but the quality is marginal. Not the best way to start.

Friday morning, September 4th, is where it gets interesting. The swell hangs in at 11.5ft from the SW, but the period jumps to 16 seconds. The wind swings to a cross-offshore from the NE, cleaning things up nicely. The energy is still huge (5722). This is a standout session for the experienced crew – big, clean, powerful groundswell on a reef. Expect a crowd out there, though.

Friday afternoon the wind turns nasty, and Saturday is a total write-off with onshore gales and lumpy, dangerous conditions. Skip it.

Sunday morning, September 6th, is another gem. The swell drops to a still-strong 10.0ft from the SW, period 14 seconds, and the wind is a light cross-offshore from the NNE. Clean as a whistle, with moderate energy (3556). This is the best of the first week – a classic, clean barrel session for the experts. Sunday afternoon is still rideable but gets a bit lumpy.

Monday and Tuesday morning the 8th are interesting. Tuesday morning sees a shift to a SSW swell with a massive 17-second period and very strong energy (5051). The wind is light cross-off, making it clean. This is a long-period groundswell, so it’ll be walling up nicely on the reef, but the sets will be spaced out. This is a second standout for the week.

The rest of the first week and into the second week is a mixed bag. Wednesday September 9th has huge SSW swell (13.0ft, 19 seconds, energy 10429) but with strong cross-offshore winds, making it challenging but clean. Thursday September 10th is the pick of the second week: an 11.5ft SSW swell at 17 seconds, with a fresh offshore E wind. Clean and powerful (energy 7282). This is a solid call for the experienced crew.

After that, the swell slowly fades through the weekend and into the next week. The conditions get sloppier, with onshore winds and rain returning by Monday September 14th. The swell bumps back up mid-week, but it’s accompanied by near gale-force winds, turning it into a blown-out mess. By Thursday September 17th, the wind eases but the swell is still big and choppy – looks more like a kite-surfing session than a paddle session.

The last window, Friday September 18th, is a fade-out with smaller, weaker swell and light onshore breezes. Not worth paddling out for.

Best on offer: Friday morning September 4th (clean, big, long-period SW groundswell) and Thursday morning September 10th (clean, offshore, big SSW groundswell). Both are for experts only.

Stay safe out there, and don't get caught inside on those big sets.

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