Irmas/Leftpoint Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty.

Alright, let’s break down what’s on the cards for the next sixteen days. It’s a slow start – there’s a big gap of no decent surf at Irmas/Leftpoint from the beginning right through to the morning of Saturday the 5th of September. That’s four days of messy, cross-shore winds and bumpy waves before things even get to a “maybe” state. The wave energy in the water is moderate to strong through that early stretch, with combined swell energy readings between 984 and 1656, but the wind is just too strong and from the wrong angle to make it work for a surf.

The first real chance to paddle out lands on Saturday morning the 5th of September. Even then, it’s only borderline. Swell is running 8ft from the ENE with a period of 14 seconds – that’s a long-period groundswell, so the waves will have some punch, but the sets will be a bit spaced out. The wind is a fresh cross-shore at 19 mph, creating a lumpy cross-chop. The combined swell energy is strong at 2694, so there’s plenty of push, but the quality just isn’t there. Honestly, a kite surfer would have more fun than a paddle surfer in these conditions.

The same story carries through Sunday the 6th and into Monday the 7th of September. Still borderline, still cross-shore winds in the moderate to gentle range, and still lumpy. The swell stays around 8ft to 8ft from the ENE, with periods of 12 to 13 seconds. Monday morning is the best of this block, with a gentle breeze at 9 mph and just a slight cross-chop, and the score is a little higher, but it’s still only just rideable. Combined swell energy is very strong, ranging from 2105 to 2557, but the wind never goes offshore.

By Tuesday the 8th of September, the wind swings onshore from the SSE at 22 mph in the morning – that’s a full-on onshore mess. Swell is 6ft to 6ft but the poor surf conditions are back with a score of zero. From Wednesday the 9th through to the end of the second week, it’s a repeating pattern of cross-shore winds from the ENE or NE, mostly fresh breezes, and swell sizes between 5ft and 7ft. The periods drop to 7 or 8 seconds – short-period, wind-affected slop. The combined energy drops into the moderate range, between 245 and 1191. None of it stands out as good surf.

There is a lone spot on Sunday the 13th of September morning where the wind is lighter, just a gentle cross-shore at 9 mph, and the swell is 7ft from the ENE at 8 seconds. The score edges up to “borderline,” but it’s still just a short-period, cross-shore affair. Not worth the drive unless you’re desperate.

Looking further out, on Thursday the 17th of September morning, there’s a late pulse of very long-period swell – 3ft from the SSW with a period of 17 seconds – and combined swell energy of 1220. The wind is cross-shore from the ENE at 12 mph, moderate. That tiny groundswell might wrap in and produce a few clean waves, but the size is small. It’s too far out to bank on.

The standout here is the Monday morning of the 7th of September. That’s the cleanest window in the whole outlook. Light winds, a solid 8ft swell from the ENE at 13 seconds, and the combined energy is roaring at 2557. For Irmas/Leftpoint, which is a reef setup that loves an ESE optimum swell direction, this ENE swell is not spot-on but the size and power make up for it. The gentle breeze will keep the surface tidy, so the waves should have shape. The crowds are possible – it’s a spot that can get busy sometimes – but with the conditions so marginal elsewhere, you might find a few other keen locals out. This is your best bet.

If you’re a beginner, stay away when the swell is over 5ft, especially with those 8ft days – that’s only for competent surfers. Nothing here gets over 8ft, but that size still packs a punch.

Bottom line: the first week is mostly a write-off. The second week offers only slim chances. The Monday the 7th of September morning is the one to aim for. After that, don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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