Fort Fisher Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer for Fort Fisher over the next couple of weeks. I’ve gotta be straight with you – it’s a pretty grim stretch. The wind and swell just aren’t lining up for much of anything rideable for the vast majority of the forecast. There are big gaps here where you’re better off leaving the boards in the shed.

The first solid shot doesn’t even show up until Monday the 21st of September, and even then it’s barely a whisper. Before that, we’re staring down a solid week of tiny, wind-affected junk. From now right through to the 20th, it’s all super small – ankle to knee-high max – with a constant cross or onshore breeze messing up what little bumps there are. The combined wave energy is weak, barely registering (45 or less). It’s just not worth paddling out.

Now, on Monday the 21st of September afternoon things finally get a pulse. The swell bumps up to about 4ft, coming from the ENE, but it’s a short-period slop at 5 seconds, with a combined energy of 95 – still weak. The wind swings light offshore from the SSW, so it’ll be clean, but the wave quality is still just “very ordinary” because there’s no power or shape. You might get a few crumbly walls, but it’s not turning any heads.

The best bet in the whole window is Tuesday the 22nd of September morning. The wind goes completely glassy – dead calm – and we have a clean 3ft swell from the ESE with a period of 8 seconds. The water temp is sitting at 81°, which is pretty standard for this time of year. Combined energy is only 79, so it’s not pumping by any means, but with glassy conditions it will be the most user-friendly surf of the whole run. Ideal for a longboard or a fun shape to get a few gentle, clean lines. The break itself is a beach and reef setup, and crowds are often around, so you won’t be alone.

After that, it’s back to mediocrity. Wednesday the 23rd sees a bit of bump with 3ft and a clean cross-off wind, but the energy is still low (116), and it’s hardly a standout. By Thursday the 24th we get a tiny pulse of 3ft from the south with a clean offshore wind in the morning, but the swell period is a pathetic 5 seconds – totally weak sauce.

For a couple of days around the 26th and 27th of September the swell tries to push back up to 4-4ft from the ENE, but the wind is straight onshore or cross-on from the NE at 15 mph, making it choppy and lumpy. Combined energy climbs a bit (124-164), but the quality is poor – it’s basically a messy, blown-out shorebreak. With the strong onshore wind and a beach setup, this looks more interesting for kite surfing than a paddle session.

To wrap it up: Tuesday the 22nd morning is your one true standout. It’s the only time you’ll find clean, glassy surf, even if it’s small. Everything else in this 16-day window is either too small, too windy, or both. A long gap of nothing from now until the 21st, then just a few fleeting glimpses of hope. Keep an eye on the forecasts – things can change, but right now, don’t get your hopes up.

Rusty.

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