La Caffrine Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and let’s get straight into it. We’ve got a solid run of surf coming up at La Caffrine, but it’s definitely one for the experienced crew. The water’s sitting at 77°, which is over two degrees warmer than usual for this time of year – that’s a real treat for a late August paddle.

Friday the 28th kicks off with a thumping SSW groundswell, 13ft and 15ft through the day, with a very long period of 16 seconds. The combined energy is massive – 9514 and 11044 (strong to very strong) – and the cross-off wind is keeping things clean. But honestly, these waves are too big for even the seasoned surfers at this exposed break. It’s more of a spectacle than a paddle.

Saturday the 29th stays similar: 13ft to 12ft of SSW swell, periods of 15 seconds, and clean cross-off winds. Energy is still huge at 7143 to 5856. Again, too big for this spot – you’d need a tow-in or a death wish.

Sunday the 30th is where it gets interesting. The swell drops to 8ft from the south, with a 14-second period. Morning is clean with a light cross-off, and by afternoon the wind goes glassy, a light WSW of 5 km/h. The energy is still strong at 3746 and 3134, but now it’s in the zone for experienced surfers. The glassy afternoon session is the standout of the first week – clean, lined-up, and all yours.

Monday the 31st sees the swell ease to 5ft from the south, period 12 seconds, and glassy calm in the morning (803 energy – moderate). That’s very good surf for the confident surfer. The afternoon gets tricky with an onshore, though.

Tuesday the 1st of September drops to 3ft, glassy morning, but small. Wednesday the 2nd is tiny – 2ft to 2ft, glassy but ordinary. Thursday the 3rd is similar, 2ft, clean. There’s a gap of small, ordinary surf from Tuesday through to Friday.

Then, Friday the 4th of September afternoon brings a surprise: 3ft from the southwest, but with a 20-second period (very long) and energy spiking to 806. That’s clean cross-off, and for a point or reef, those long-period lines would be a dream. At a beach break, they might straighten out, but it’s worth checking.

Saturday the 5th sees a jump back up to 7ft to 7ft of SSW swell, 16-second period, with clean cross-off winds. Energy is strong at 2109 to 2290. This is solid, but the swell direction is straight on – might be a bit close-out for some.

Now, the true standout: Sunday the 6th and Monday the 7th of September. Sunday morning has 7ft from the SW, 15 seconds, glassy – energy 2123. Sunday afternoon 8ft from the SSW, 16 seconds, glassy calm – energy 2596. Monday morning 8ft from the SSW, 14 seconds, glassy – energy 2379. Monday afternoon 7ft, also glassy. These are four straight sessions of excellent surf for experienced surfers, with clean, glassy conditions. The swell is over 8ft at its peak, so it’s experts only, but the quality is undeniable. This is the best on offer.

Tuesday the 8th of September jumps back to 12ft from the SSW, 18-second period, energy 8152 – too big again. Wednesday the 9th is 10ft, still too big. The energy drops through the rest of the week, but the wind gets messy. Thursday the 10th is 6ft with cross-on wind, and Friday the 11th is 6ft to 5ft with moderate cross-chop – not great.

Saturday the 12th of September has a 8ft east-southeast windswell with a short 8-second period and cross-shore wind – poor surf. The afternoon drops to 3ft and is even worse.

So, the absolute best is Sunday the 6th through Monday the 7th of September – glassy, solid, long-period SSW groundswell at La Caffrine. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. Expect crowds possible, especially on the weekend, but with that quality, it’s worth sharing the peak.

Rusty.

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