Icelands Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s break down the same surf for Icelands, but in feet and miles per hour.

This reef break is fairly consistent and exposed to the swell, with a solid SSW groundswell coming through. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual.

The action starts on Monday the 24th with a bit of a mixed bag. Monday morning has a 4ft SSW swell but with a storm risk and a moderate cross-off breeze, so it’s a bit marginal. The afternoon picks up to 6ft, with strong energy, but the wind is still cross-off, making it tricky. This one’s for the experienced crew. Tuesday the 25th is similar, with a clean 5ft morning, but the afternoon gets crosswind and drops to 5ft, which is a bit of a letdown.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The real standout is Wednesday the 26th morning. The swell drops to 4ft, but the wind goes glassy with a light NNW breeze, and the period is a solid 13 seconds. The combined energy is moderate, but the glassy conditions will make it look like a mirror. That’s a morning to be out there, no doubt.

Thursday the 27th has a 4ft swell in the morning, but the period jumps to 19 seconds – that’s a very long period groundswell. Energy is high, but that long period can make it break a bit straight on a reef, so it’s best for experienced surfers who know the spot. The afternoon picks up to 6ft with a 18-second period, which is excellent energy, but the wind goes cross. Still, for the experienced, it’s a blast.

Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th are a bit of a drop-off, with 6ft and 4ft respectively, but the wind is cross-off and the energy is moderate. The swell direction is perfect for the reef, but the quality is a bit so-so.

Then we get another big spike. Sunday the 30th is a bit of a washout with crosswinds and chop, but don’t lose hope. The next week brings the real fireworks. Monday the 31st has a 5ft morning, but the afternoon jumps to 6ft with a 18-second period and a light cross-off breeze. That’s prime stuff. Tuesday the 1st of September is the absolute best in the window: 7ft, 17-second period, cross-off breeze, and clean. The energy is very strong. This is for experts only, because anything over 8ft is a beast, but this is close. Wednesday the 2nd drops to 6ft, still solid, but the wind picks up a bit.

After that, the swell fades slowly through the rest of the week, with some 5ft and 4ft days, but the wind stays mostly cross-off. Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th have a few glassy moments, but the swell is small. The last few days into the 8th of September are just 4-5ft mush with some storm risk.

So, to sum it up: the best on offer is Wednesday the 26th morning for the glassy conditions, and Tuesday the 1st of September for the biggest, cleanest swell. Crowds are often there, so be prepared for company. The long period swells are a treat for the reef, but the bigger ones are only for the experienced.

Rusty.

Read more