Icelands Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, letting you know what’s cooking for the waves over the next couple of weeks.

We’re looking at a solid run of surf at Icelands (reef), with the best conditions clustering around the end of August and into early September. The water temp is sitting at 86°, which is about 1° warmer than average for this time of year – nothing crazy, just a touch of extra warmth. The swell energy starts moderate, around 664, and builds into some serious territory.

The real standout is Sunday the 30th. Morning brings a 3 ft SSW swell with a super long 21-second period, and the energy is already pumping at 1093. The wind is a light cross-off, keeping the surface clean. This is prime reef stuff – that long period will wrap in nicely, and the paddle out will be easy. Afternoon improves even more, with a 3 ft SSW swell, 19-second period, and energy jumping to 1311. Light, clean cross-off winds. This is your best window for a session that feels like it has real depth and power.

From Monday the 31st through Tuesday the 1st, the swell builds to 5 ft–7 ft, still from the SSW and SW, with period dropping to 17–18 seconds. Energy gets strong, between 1965 and 2576. The wind stays cross-off and clean, but the size is pushing into advanced territory. If you’re experienced, Tuesday afternoon looks excellent with a 7 ft SW swell and light winds.

Wednesday the 2nd holds strong with a 6 ft SW swell and 16-second period, energy at 1617, and clean conditions in the morning. Things taper a bit into Thursday and Friday, with surf dropping to 4 ft–4 ft, and periods shortening to 13–14 seconds. Energy drops to moderate levels, around 427–771. Still rideable, but nothing special.

Then we hit a bit of a lull. The swell gets smaller and more inconsistent, with a lot of “risk tstorm” in the forecast. The first week of September sees a lot of marginal days, but there’s a glimmer later in the second week.

The other real standout pops up on Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th. Wednesday morning has a 4 ft S swell, 18-second period, and glassy conditions with almost no wind. Energy is strong at 1117. That’s a dreamy morning. Thursday morning follows with a 4 ft SSW swell, 16-second period, and clean cross-off winds. Energy sits at 886, but conditions are sweet.

And then on Friday the 11th, we get another big pulse: 6 ft to 7 ft SSW swell, 17–16-second period, and offshore winds in the morning. Energy jumps to 2146 and 2823. That’s a powerful, well-shaped groundswell, but it’s going to be a big wave – definitely for experts only. The reef should handle it well, but keep your wits about you.

Overall, the best windows are the 30th, Tuesday the 1st afternoon, and the 9th–11th for the more experienced crew. Crowds are often a factor at Icelands, so get in early if you can.

Rusty.

Read more