Kelso (Happy Wanderers) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what we’ve got coming up on the surf front. Honestly, I’ll level with you straight off the bat – this one’s a bit of a slow burner. The first week is pretty grim, with a solid run of poor conditions that’ll have you checking your wax stash more than your board. The good news is there’s a proper pulse of energy late in the period, but it’s for the big boys only, and we’ve got a long wait ahead.

We’re looking at Kelso (Happy Wanderers), a point break that’s fairly consistent. Water temps are sitting at 70°F with a tiny anomaly, so about average for this time of year – no need for a thick steamer.

Right then, let’s get into it. The first recommendation doesn’t actually pop up until Thursday, 4th September. That’s a full week of flat, onshore slop before we get a sniff of anything. From Thursday the 27th right through to the 3rd of September, it’s all cross-onshore winds, lumpy sea states, and scores of zero. It’s a write-off.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Thursday morning, 4th September, a big southerly groundswell punches in. We’re talking 20 ft of swell from the south, with a period of 12 seconds. The combined energy is massive at 11,139 – that’s serious power. Wind is a fresh offshore from the southwest, which will clean the place up beautifully. But look, 20 ft is not for the faint-hearted. This is expert territory only. The direction is straight south, which is the optimum for this spot. Friday afternoon pushes it even bigger to 21 ft (12,567 energy), still with clean cross-off winds. This is the standout of the whole forecast. The wave quality is compromised by the sheer size, but for the crew that can handle it, it’s on.

After that peak, the swell eases but stays big. Saturday the 5th sees 13 ft from the SSW with a strong breeze, still clean. That’s more manageable for strong intermediates, but still a step up. Sunday the 6th keeps pumping with 10 to 13 ft and clean conditions.

Then it drops off again. Monday the 7th has 7 ft but the wind swings onshore, and by Tuesday it’s back to choppy cross-on conditions. The last few days of the forecast are small and weak, with energy dropping to double digits. A bit of a fizzle.

So, the pick of the fortnight? Without a doubt, it’s Thursday the 4th and Friday the 5th of September at Kelso (Happy Wanderers). That’s a serious, powerful southerly groundswell hitting a point break with clean, offshore winds. The size is huge, so only for the experienced, but the setup is primo. For everyone else, you’re looking at a long wait.

Stay keen, check the charts, and don’t even bother looking at the first week.

Rusty.

Read more