La Caffrine Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, grab a seat, let’s talk about what’s on the cards. The forecast kicks off with a bit of a mixed bag, but there’s a real standout day that’ll get the blood pumping if you’re experienced enough to handle it.

We start Monday, 14th September, but it’s not worth rushing out. Morning sees a cross-shore breeze and a bumpy 6ft SSW swell. The combined energy is moderate at 1115, but the conditions are messy with a cross-chop. Afternoon’s not much better – still cross-shore and a bit smaller at 5ft. Not your day.

Tuesday the 15th is a step in the right direction. The wind swings cross-offshore, cleaning things up. Morning has a 5ft SSW swell with a long period of 18 seconds – that’s groundswell energy right there, bringing shape and power, though it’ll be a bit more lined up and might want a point or reef to really shine. The combined energy jumps to 2258 (moderate to strong). Afternoon pushes the swell to 6ft, period 17 seconds, energy at 2789. Clean waves on offer.

Now, here’s the big one – Wednesday, 16th September. This is the standout if you’ve got the skill. Swell pumps up to 10ft from the south with period around 15 seconds. The combined energy is huge – 4292 in the morning, 4015 in the afternoon – that’s strong wave energy, no mistake. Wind is light cross-offshore and it’s clean. But let’s be real: at over 8ft this is expert territory only. Beginners and intermediates sit this one out. The water temp is 76°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – a nice bonus if you’re in the water.

Thursday 17th brings relief from the size. Morning glassy conditions with a 7ft S swell, period 13 seconds, energy 2079. Afternoon goes flat calm with 6ft from the south, period 12 seconds, energy 1355. Both sessions are glassy. This is excellent for experienced surfers – clean, powerful, but manageable. Friday 18th starts off glassy with a 4ft S swell, period 11 seconds, energy 816 – not huge but very clean. Afternoon holds at 5ft with a cross-offshore breeze.

Saturday 19th is a mixed bag. Morning has a light cross-onshore wind and a 3ft SW swell, but afternoon turns glassy with a 4ft SW swell at 15 seconds – a much better window for a small wave cruiser session. Sunday 20th sees clean conditions again with a 4ft SW swell; morning is the pick with cross-offshores.

Monday 21st throws a curveball. Morning swell jumps to 7ft from the ESE, but the period is short at 8 seconds – that’s wind swell, fat and quick. Still, it’s glassy, so for experienced surfers it could be fun. Afternoon drops to 3ft SSW with a 16-second period, glassy glassy – a lovely end to the day.

Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd are small and clean. Wednesday morning has a 4ft SSW swell at 15 seconds with glassy conditions – perfect for a quiet surf. Thursday 24th is a beauty – glassy all day, a 4ft morning swell building to 5ft afternoon, both from the SSW with periods of 18 and 16 seconds respectively, energy climbing to 1849. Excellent for experienced surfers.

Friday 25th sees the swell bump back up to 8ft from the SW, but the wind turns cross and cross-onshore, putting a chop on it. Not the best. Saturday 26th is the same story – 8ft to 8ft, but cross-shore winds and even some rain showers in the morning. Messy. Sunday 27th through Tuesday 29th have solid SSW swell in the 5ft to 7ft range, but the wind is moderate cross-offshore or cross-shore, keeping things from being truly clean. Some decent waves in there, but nothing to get emotional about.

So, the real standout is Wednesday 16th September – that 10ft south groundswell with light wind and clean conditions. It’s a session for the hardcore only. For the rest of the run, Thursday 17th and Thursday 24th offer glassy quality.

Stay safe, check the tides, and don’t be a hero on that Wednesday if you’re not ready.

Rusty.

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