Glen Eden Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here. Let’s take a good, hard look at what’s coming our way at Glen Eden over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a long stretch ahead, and I’ll be straight with you – it’s a bit of a mixed bag, with some real challenges early on.

We kick off the period with a whole lot of swell energy, but the conditions are making it a tough sell. The water’s sitting at 61°, which is a massive 7° colder than normal for this time of year – that’s very unusual, so you’ll want a thick wetsuit. The first few days are dominated by strong winds and lumpy seas. Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th have solid swell, with combined energy readings of 3038 and 2905 (strong to very strong wave energy), but it’s all getting chopped up by fresh cross-onshore winds. Not worth paddling out for.

We start to see a glimmer of hope on Tuesday morning, September 15th. The swell drops to a manageable 2.4m (8ft) from the ENE with a period of 11 seconds – that’s a nice groundswell, good energy. The wind goes light and cross, which is a big step up. The combined energy is still a solid 1356 (moderate wave energy). This is the first real option, but it’s still only a marginal call, so manage expectations.

Wednesday afternoon the 16th is interesting. The swell is 1.5m (5ft) from the ENE, but the wind swings to a clean cross-offshore. The combined energy is low at 583 (weak to moderate), but clean conditions can make a small day fun. That’s one to keep an eye on if you’re desperate.

The best bet of the whole forecast looks like Monday morning, September 21st. The swell is 2.0m (7ft) from the East, with a solid 10-second period. The wind is a clean cross-offshore from the SSW, which should groom it nicely. Combined energy is 1375 (moderate wave energy). This has the makings of a decent session at this exposed point break, with the swell coming from a favourable direction for the break. Crowds can be around at Glen Eden sometimes, so don't expect it to be empty.

Later that Monday afternoon, the 21st, the swell jumps to 3.5m (12ft) from the SSW with a 9-second period. That’s a big, powerful wave, and for most of us, it’s going to be too much. Only for experts. The wind stays clean cross-off, but that size will be a handful.

After that, the second week looks pretty quiet. Swell sizes drop right off, and the wind stays onshore or cross for most of it. There’s a moment on Wednesday morning, September 23rd, with a tiny 1.2m (4ft) swell but clean cross-off wind. And again on Sunday morning, September 27th, with glassy conditions and a 0.9m (3ft) swell – just about surfable, but very ordinary. The combined energy is only 156 and 141 (weak wave energy). Honestly, after the 22nd, it’s a waiting game. The surf just isn’t going to be there for a good stretch.

So, to sum it up: if you can, get out on Monday the 21st for the best clean, solid waves. Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday afternoon the 16th are fallback options. The rest of the period is a write-off. That’s how it’s looking from here.

Rusty.

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