Forster Beach (Nambucca) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Nambucca Heads.

Look, it’s going to be a real mixed bag over the next couple of weeks. The first week or so is mostly small and ordinary, so you’ll need to pick your moments. The real action doesn't fire up until we get into the second week, with a big pulse of swell that’s worth waiting for if you’re an experienced surfer.

Water temp is sitting at 68°, which is about average for the time of year, nothing to write home about.

Kicking off Sunday the 30th, we actually have a decent little window. Early morning at Forster Beach (Nambucca) should be clean with light cross-offshore winds from the S at 6 mph. There’s a 5ft swell from the SSE with a period of 9 seconds, and the combined energy is moderate at 573. It’s a good call for beginners, as the size is manageable. By afternoon the wind swings SE and picks up, making it a bit cross and choppy, so get your session in early.

Monday the 31st is a tease. Early morning has clean conditions with a tiny 2ft swell from the S, but get this – the period is a massive 18 seconds! That’s a very long-period groundswell moving through. Combined energy is moderate at 319. For a beach break like this, that long period might make it break a bit too straight, so don’t expect classic peaks. It’s more of a novelty, but for a longboard or a learner, it could be a fun, easy paddle with tiny waves.

From Tuesday September 1st right through to Monday September 8th, it’s a slog. Expect a lot of onshore or cross-onshore winds, lots of choppy conditions, and surf that barely reaches 3ft. Mostly poor surf, with a few ‘ordinary’ moments in there. There’s a long gap where you wouldn't bother paddling out. Wait it out.

Finally, Tuesday the 8th afternoon is when things get interesting. The wind swings to the WSW at 12 mph, blowing offshore, and the swell jumps to 6ft from the NE. The combined energy is 440, moderate. This is clean and punchy, but that size is getting a little too much for beginners. More for the intermediate crew on a fun board.

The standout period is definitely Thursday the 10th through Saturday the 12th, but this is for experts only. On Thursday afternoon, a solid 8ft S swell rolls in with a period of 14 seconds, and combined energy is a massive 3230 – that’s strong wave energy. The wind is cross from the SE at 12 mph, so it might be a little textured. Friday the 11th holds similar size, 8ft from the S with 13-second period and 1971 energy, again with light cross winds. Saturday the 12th morning still has 6ft with a moderate offshore wind from the S. This whole stretch is big, powerful, and not for the faint hearted. If you’re experienced and hungry, this is your window.

After that, it drops back down. Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th see smaller surf, around 2ft to 4ft, but with clean conditions and glassy moments. A nice chilled recovery session after the big stuff.

So, if you’re a learner, the best bet is Sunday the 30th early. If you’re experienced, save your energy for Thursday and Friday of that second week.

Rusty.

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