Fourth Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s talk about the surf at Fourth Beach.

We’ve got a solid run of swell ahead, but it’s a real mixed bag. The water’s sitting at 62°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first couple of days are pretty average. Monday afternoon sees a 7ft SSW swell with a 15-second period, but the wind is cross-on from the SSW at 9 mph, and with the combined energy sitting at 1897 (moderate), it’s a bit choppy and messy. Tuesday is worse—stronger winds and bigger swell, but the wind stays cross-on, making it ugly. Wednesday’s the same story: lumpy cross-shore wind and a 8ft swell that’s just not clean.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Thursday the 3rd of September has a real standout. Thursday morning brings a 12ft SSW swell with a 15-second period, offshore wind from the north at 12 mph, and the combined energy is a massive 4644 (strong). The water’s clean, and the wind is offshore. But this is a heavy one—12ft is only for experienced surfers, and this break is exposed, so it’ll be big and powerful. The afternoon eases back to 10ft, with a light WNW cross-offshore wind at 6 mph, and the energy is still strong at 4038. That afternoon session is the pick of the first week: clean, solid, and for the guys who can handle it, this is your window.

But then it gets wild. Friday and Saturday the swell jumps to 13ft to 16ft, and the wind is either cross-on or howling cross-off. The combined energy hits 16049 (very strong) on Friday afternoon, but it’s all blown out. Not worth paddling out. Sunday and Monday stay in the 12ft to 13ft range, with cross-shore winds and strong energy, but the conditions are still too rough for a good session.

The second week—now we’re talking about the 8th of September onwards—has some promise. Tuesday the 8th has a clean morning with a 12ft SSW swell, a 16-second period, and light cross-offshore wind from the NE at 6 mph. The energy is 6673 (strong). Again, it’s big, but it’s clean. The real sleeper might be Thursday the 10th of September: a 10ft SSW swell, 16-second period, and glassy conditions with a 3 mph SW wind. The combined energy is 3968 (strong), and it’s described as “excellent” for experienced surfers. That’s a rare moment of total calm. By Friday the 11th, the swell drops to 6ft, and the wind is cross-on, so it’s a bit scrappy.

The last few days—from the 12th onwards—the swell hovers around 7ft to 10ft, but the wind is mostly cross-on or onshore, so it’s not clean. The 15th of September has a morning with 6ft SSW swell, 15-second period, and offshore wind from the north at 19 mph, which is clean, but it’s a small day.

So, the best on offer? The standout is Thursday the 3rd of September afternoon: 10ft SSW swell, 15-second period, light WNW cross-offshore wind, and strong energy. That’s clean, powerful, and for those who know what they’re doing. The second shout is Thursday the 10th of September morning: glassy, 10ft, and long period—perfect for a dawn session. For the rest, it’s either too big, too windy, or too small. Keep an eye on the 8th and 9th—they’re solid but need a bit of luck.

Rusty.

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