Fourth Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

We’ve got a solid stretch of groundswell lining up for Fourth Beach, but it’s a mixed bag of good and gnarly. The standout is absolutely the morning of Thursday, 10 September. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. Right now, though, the water temp is sitting at 62°F, which is about average for this time of year—nothing to write home about, but not a shock to the system.

Okay, let’s start with Sunday, 30 August. Morning kicks off with some serious energy. We’re looking at an 8ft SSW groundswell with a very long 18-second period, and the combined energy is pumping (4551). The wind is a cross-off from the NNE at 9 mph, so the surf is clean. This is excellent for experienced surfers, but that size and power means it’s for the crew who know what they’re doing. The afternoon holds similar size, but the wind picks up a touch.

Monday, 31 August, the swell drops a bit to 7ft, but the wind is stronger and more cross-off, so it’s a bit messier. The energy is still moderate (1904), but the quality drops off. By Tuesday, 1 September, we’re back up to 8ft, but the wind is shifting around, making things choppy. The energy is strong (5202) but the conditions are marginal.

Wednesday, 2 September, is another day of big, lumpy surf with cross-shore winds. Not your friend.

Now, Thursday, 3 September – this is a gem. Morning has a 10ft SSW groundswell with a 15-second period, and the wind is light offshore from the NNW at 9 mph. The combined energy is pumping (4015), and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is clean, powerful, and the best of the early run. The afternoon stays big but the wind goes light cross-shore.

Friday, 4 September, is a write-off. Strong winds from the west and southwest, up to 31 mph, with rain and a massive 15ft swell. The energy is huge (5918) but it’s blown out and dangerous. This is not a surfing day. If you’re into kites, this setup is more your game.

Saturday, 5 September, brings a welcome return to clean conditions. Morning has a 10ft SSW groundswell with offshore winds, and the afternoon goes glassy with a light ENE breeze. The energy is still strong (3645). That glassy afternoon with 8ft waves is a real treat for the experienced crew.

Sunday, 6 September, and Monday, 7 September, are back to strong onshore winds and messy, lumpy conditions. The swell is big, but it’s not worth the paddle out. The energy is very high (8952 on Monday morning) but it’s just a washing machine.

The True Standout: Thursday, 10 September. This is the one. Morning has a 10ft SSW groundswell with a very long 19-second period. The wind is a gentle offshore from the NNW, making it glassy and clean. The combined energy is exceptional (6903). This is world-class for experts. The period is so long that the waves will be lined up and powerful, but at a beach break, it might be a bit straight. Still, this is the best on offer in the whole forecast.

The rest of the second week is a slow fade. Wednesday, 9 September, has some clean 6ft to 7ft surf with offshore winds, nice for a morning session. By Thursday afternoon, it’s still clean but the wind shifts. The following days, from Friday, 11 September, onward, the swell drops and the wind gets messy. Saturday, 12 September, has a clean 5ft morning, but it’s small. After that, it’s a stretch of onshore winds and poor conditions through to Monday, 14 September.

The crowd situation at Fourth Beach is listed as “sometimes” busy, so you can often find a peak to yourself, especially on the weekdays and early mornings.

Overall, the best surf is for the experienced crowd. The 10th of September is the highlight, with the 3rd of September and the 5th of September afternoon as solid runners-up. Get on it.

- Rusty

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