Forster Beach (Nambucca) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up.

The first bit of decent surf hits Thursday morning, 13 August, at Forster Beach (Nambucca). The swell is 5 feet from the south with a short 8-second period, and the combined energy is moderate at 475. The water’s sitting at 67°, which is about average for this time of year. A light cross-offshore breeze from the SSW keeps it clean, and the set-up is an exposed beach, so it’ll be a bit wobbly on that short period, but it’s rideable. For a beginner-friendly spot, this is a solid morning session.

Thursday afternoon turns messy with a cross-shore breeze, so don’t bother.

Friday morning, 14 August, is the standout. The swell pushes to 6 feet from the south, still short period at 9 seconds, but the combined energy jumps to a strong 830. The wind is a light cross-offshore from the SSW again, keeping it clean. This is the best on offer in the whole window – bigger, punchy, and clean. It’s still a beach break, so expect some closeouts, but for a beginner-friendly spot, this is as good as it gets.

Friday afternoon drops off and gets cross-shore, so no.

Saturday morning, 15 August, has some clouds and a 4-foot south swell, period only 7 seconds, energy weak at 172. The wind is cross-off, so it’s clean, but the swell is too small and short to get excited. Saturday afternoon has rain showers and a 12 mph wind, making it a mess.

Sunday morning, 16 August, picks up again to 5 feet from the south, 7-second period, moderate energy at 313, clean with a cross-off breeze. Worth a paddle if you’re keen, but it’s nothing special.

Monday morning, 17 August, sees 5 feet from the ESE, 7-second period, moderate energy at 418, clean with a light cross-off. It’s a bit of a shift in direction, but it’s rideable. Monday afternoon turns onshore, so no.

Tuesday morning, 18 August, has 5 feet from the ESE, 7-second period, moderate energy at 315, clean. The real highlight of Tuesday is the afternoon – glassy, with a 4-foot SE swell, 8-second period, and energy at 280. That glassy morning wind is a treat, and the waves will be smooth. It’s the second-best session of the whole outlook.

Wednesday morning, 19 August, is clean with 5 feet from the SE, 7-second period, energy at 296. It’s okay, but not a standout.

After that, there’s a real lull. From Thursday morning, 20 August, through to Wednesday morning, 26 August, the surf gets small and weak. Most days are under 3 feet with periods around 7–9 seconds, and energy readings barely break 100–200. Thursday morning the 20th is glassy but only 4 feet, and then it drops to 3 feet, 3 feet, even 2 feet. It’s a long, flat patch. The wind is often onshore or cross-on, so it’s not worth the drive.

Then on Sunday morning, 23 August, a clean 4 feet from the ENE, 9-second period, and energy at 226, with a light offshore from the west. That’s a nice surprise after the flat spell, but it’s small. Monday morning, 24 August, is similar – 3 feet from the ENE, 9-second period, energy at 212, with a clean offshore from the SW. It’s surfable, but you’ll be working for it.

The week after that stays small, with 3 feet and 2 feet right through to Wednesday, 26 August. The energy drops to 45–158, and the wind is either glassy or onshore. Nothing to write home about.

Finally, on Thursday morning, 27 August, a new south swell shows up at 5 feet, 8-second period, energy at 285, with a clean cross-off breeze. It’s a hint of life again. Then Friday morning, 28 August, brings a big spike: 5 feet from the south, a very long 14-second period, and the combined energy is a massive 1031. That’s proper groundswell. But the wind is a strong 25 mph cross-off, so it’ll be blown out and messy. This one is for experts only, and honestly, the wind kills it. Friday afternoon is even worse with a strong cross-shore. So that’s a miss.

Overall, the best session is Friday morning, 14 August, with that 6-foot south swell and clean conditions. The second best is Tuesday afternoon, 18 August, with glassy conditions and a fun 4 feet. Everything else is either too small, too short, too windy, or just average.

Rusty.

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