Icelands Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s on the menu for Icelands over the next couple of weeks. It’s a solid run of surf, especially for the more experienced among you. The water’s sitting at a warm 85°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

We kick off with a bit of a slow burner. Sunday the 23rd and Monday the 24th see some chest-high swell at 6 ft to 6 ft from the SSW, but the cross-off winds are moderate and the conditions are described as marginal. The wave energy is strong though – you’re looking at values around 1551 up to 1894 (moderate to strong energy), but the quality isn't quite there for a standout session.

Now, Tuesday the 25th morning is where things start to get interesting. That SSW swell holds at 6 ft, period pushing 15 seconds – a nice, long groundswell. The wind drops to a light breeze, cross-off, and the call is "excellent surf for experienced surfers." The energy is still strong at 1575. This is a serious option for the advanced crew, but that 6 ft might be pushing it for beginners.

Wednesday the 26th morning is a stunner. Glassy conditions – zero wind – with a 4 ft SSW swell and a period of 13 seconds. The energy is moderate at 699, but the lack of wind makes it clean as a whistle. A great window for a morning session with no hassle.

Thursday the 27th is the real standout of the first week. Morning starts glassy with a 4 ft swell and a very long period of 19 seconds – that’s proper groundswell energy. The energy reading is 1709, which is strong. Then the afternoon bumps up to 6 ft with an 18-second period, still glassy, and the energy jumps to 2131. That’s the best combo of size, period, and glassy conditions across the whole period. This is for experts only – over 5 ft and that period means it’ll be a freight train at Icelands, which is a reef break. Expect clean, hefty lines.

Friday the 28th keeps the run going with cross-off winds and 6 ft swell, but the period drops to 16 seconds. Still good, and the afternoon session is rated excellent for experienced surfers. Energy sits at 1690-1302.

The weekend of the 30th and 31st stays lively. Sunday the 30th morning has a smaller 3 ft swell but a very long 21-second period – that’s a lot of push for a small wave, and the energy is 765 (moderate). By Monday the 31st morning, we’re back to 5 ft, 18-second period, and excellent conditions with light cross-off winds. Energy is 1736.

Moving into the second week, Tuesday the 1st of September is your next big call. Morning swell hits 6 ft from the SW, period at 17 seconds, and the energy is 2136. The wind is a gentle cross-off. This is another cracker for the experienced surfers. Wednesday the 2nd stays solid at 6 ft SW, 16 seconds, with excellent conditions. Energy is 1556-1257.

After that, the swell slowly backs off. Thursday the 3rd to Sunday the 7th sees heights drop from 4 ft down to 3 ft, with periods shortening to 12-14 seconds. The conditions stay mostly clean with light to gentle breezes, but the wave energy drops off too, from 654 down to 432 by Monday afternoon. It’s still ridable, but nothing to write home about. The Monday the 7th afternoon session looks marginal with a gentle cross-shore wind and light chop.

So, the best on offer? Without a doubt, Thursday the 27th of August is the standout. Head out in the morning or the afternoon for glassy, powerful SSW groundswell – 4 ft to 6 ft with periods of 18-19 seconds. That’s a serious, clean, expert-only session. Tuesday the 25th morning and Tuesday the 1st of September morning are also top-tier picks for the advanced surfer with solid swell and clean winds.

Keep in mind, Icelands is a reef break, so those long-period groundswells will set up beautifully, but it’s one for the crew who know what they’re doing. Crowds are often an issue here, so get in early.

Stay safe out there.
Rusty

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