Johanna Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, checking in with a look at what’s coming our way.

We’ve got a proper run of solid, powerful SW groundswells lining up for Johanna, but don’t be fooled – a lot of this period is for the experienced crew only. The water is sitting at about 57°, which is just a touch warmer than usual for this time of year, so it’s nothing crazy, but you might get away without a steamer for a bit longer.

The first real window opens up on Sunday the 6th of September with a solid 12 ft swell out of the WSW, period 13 seconds, and moderate wave energy (3862). The wind is cross-shore though, so it’s going to be a bit choppy and messy. Not the best start, but there’s some size.

Monday the 7th is a write-off – the swell drops and the wind is onshore, just poor conditions all day.

Tuesday the 8th has a bit of hope early morning with a 7 ft SW groundswell, but here’s the thing – that period is a massive 18 seconds. That’s very long period energy (4446) which can make a beach break like this close out and break straight. Still, early with a gentle cross-shore might offer a few.

Now, Wednesday the 9th is the big one, but it’s a beast. We’re looking at 16 ft to 20 ft of SW groundswell with periods up to 18 seconds and combined energy readings of 16565 and 21696 – that’s serious, powerful ocean. The wind is onshore but favorable, but honestly, this is way too big for anyone but experts. Massive, raw, and dangerous. Same story carries into Thursday the 10th with 18 ft and 15 ft sets (14872 and 11129).

The standout of the whole run, and I mean the one to circle, is Saturday the 12th of September. We’ve got 10 ft of SW groundswell, a lovely 15-second period (4547 and 3424), and the wind goes glassy – absolutely dead calm in the afternoon. That’s a rare treat. The crowd factor at Johanna is ‘often’, so expect company, but if you get out there for that Saturday session, it’ll be worth it. This one’s for the experienced surfer; 10 ft is solid, powerful, and clean. That is the highlight.

Sunday the 13th drops back a bit with 7 ft to 6 ft and clean cross-off winds, but the energy is lower. Monday the 14th is another messy, windy day you can skip.

Tuesday the 15th sees the swell back up to 10 ft to 13 ft (2888 to 5469) but with cross-on wind and a chop. Not pretty.

Wednesday the 16th is marginal, and then Thursday the 17th we’re back to massive 16 ft to 18 ft SW groundswell (15509 and 15761) with clean cross-off winds – but again, that’s expert territory only.

Friday the 18th is still solid at 13 ft to 15 ft but with a cross-shore chop. Saturday the 19th is blown out by strong winds.

Looking into the second week, Sunday the 20th is windy and messy, but then Monday the 21st of September is another real standout. Clear skies, light cross-off breeze, and a 15 ft WSW groundswell at 14 seconds (7619). That’s exceptional, powerful surf for experts. The afternoon gets a bit of cross-on wind, but the morning session on the 21st is the other big one to aim for.

So, bottom line: if you’re an experienced surfer, your two best bets are Saturday the 12th of September for the glassy, clean 10 ft swell, and Monday the 21st of September for the bigger, cleaner 15 ft sets. Everything else is either too big, too windy, or just for the hardcore.

Rusty.

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