Joss Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for our little patch.

Honestly, mate, this is a tough one to call. We’ve got a solid 16-day window staring at us, and for the most part, it’s a flat spell with barely a ripple. The first real surf we might see is a tiny pulse on the morning of the 16th of September, but even that’s hardly worth getting the wetsuit damp for. There’s a long gap of nothing from the 13th right through to midday on the 16th, so don’t bother paddling out before that.

The only break we’re looking at is Joss Bay. It’s a fairly exposed spot, and the swell direction that works best for it is from the N. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, nothing unusual there.

Let’s start from the beginning. Friday the 11th of September is a write-off: tiny 0.3 ft to 0.7 ft swells from the NE and WNW, with a weak combined energy of just 2. Not a single wave worth chasing. Saturday and Sunday, the 12th and 13th, are even worse – we’re looking at flat surf and strong offshore winds up to 19 mph. That’s a good kite-ski wind, but for paddle surfing, it’s a dead loss. Monday the 14th is flat too; don’t even bother.

Now, on the 16th of September, the afternoon shows a tiny ripple of 1 ft from the NNE with a period of 8 seconds. The combined energy is still weak at 35. The wind is cross-off from the WNW at 22 mph, so it’ll be clean but there’s no power. This is not a standout.

The next few days through to the 20th stay pitifully small, with swells below 1 ft and energy barely registering. The wind is clean on some days, but the waves just aren’t there. Joss Bay is inconsistent, and this run proves it. Crowds are often around, but you won’t have to fight for a flat ocean.

The morning of the 22nd of September shows a tiny bump: 0.7 ft from the NNE at 9 seconds and a combined energy of just 8. But the afternoon of the 22nd is the closest we get to anything interesting: a glassy sea with 1.0 ft from the NNE, period of 9 seconds, and a combined energy of 20. It’s weak, but the glassy conditions from a slight easterly air make the bay look pretty. If you’re desperate for a longboard and a sunrise, this is your moment. Even so, it’s poor surf conditions overall.

From the 23rd onward, it’s back to tiny 0.3 ft to 0.7 ft slop. The 24th of September afternoon goes glassy again with 0.3 ft, period of 10 seconds, and energy of 4. Pretty water, no waves.

So the honest truth? There is no standout. The best on offer is the glassy afternoon of the 22nd of September, with that 1.0 ft NNE swell. If you want to float around in clean water, that’s your one. For real surf, you’re out of luck this stretch. Forecasts can change, but for now, maybe pick up another hobby for a fortnight.

- Rusty

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