Lefthanders Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's get straight into it. We've got a solid 16-day window ahead, but it’s a tale of two extremes. The forecast is absolutely pumping with swell, but it’s so big, and the wind is so often messy, that this is mostly a show for the brave and the experienced. The water’s sitting at a warm 65°F at the start, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so you can leave the thickest rubber at home.

The first recommendation doesn't come until Monday, the 31st of August, and it’s a tough one. Lefthanders is an exposed reef break, very consistent, and it’s aiming for that WSW swell. Monday morning we’ve got an 8ft WSW swell, with a super long period of 17 seconds – that’s proper groundswell energy. But the wind is a cross-on at 16 mph, making it choppy. The combined energy is a massive 3995 (moderate to strong), but the conditions are just poor. Monday afternoon and Tuesday the 1st stay similar, though Tuesday afternoon sees the wind go onshore light and the swell jump to 10ft from the SW. The data says it’s too big for this break, and I’d have to agree for a beginner.

Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd are a washout. Swell is 12ft to 13ft, with energy readings over 4000 and 6000, but the wind is either cross-on or blowing hard. Friday the 4th is a monster. We’re looking at an 18ft SW swell with a period of 16 seconds and energy hitting 15471 (very strong). The wind is cross-on again, so it’s not clean, but for experts only, it’s a beast. The wind and tide notes say it’s favorable for the swell, which means it’s breaking, but that size is a serious step up. Saturday the 5th is an absolute write-off with near-gale force winds, and Sunday the 6th is blown out with fresh onshores.

The first real standout, and I mean the one that gets my heart rate up, is on Friday the 11th of September. The morning session is going to be magic. The swell is a manageable 8ft from the SW, still a nice long period of 14 seconds, but the wind is glassy – a perfect 3 mph from the NNE. The report calls it "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers," and I’ll tell you, that’s a rare treat for a spot that’s been hammered by onshores. The energy is a solid 3193 (moderate), but with glassy conditions and that groundswell, the reef will be firing. This is your best bet for clean, powerful waves. After that, the wind swings back around, so make the most of it.

The second week is a mixed bag of more oversized swells and tricky winds. Monday the 14th of September morning has another glassy window with an 12ft WSW swell, period of 15 seconds and energy of 4970. Also a standout for the brave, but it’s solid. The rest of the week is a lot of "too big for this break" warnings or less-than-ideal wind. For a beginner, there’s nothing here. For the experienced surfer, you’ve got two very clear windows: the 11th and the 14th. Pick your days, pick your tides, and don’t even think about paddling out on a 20ft day with a near-gale.

Stay safe, and keep your wits about you.

Rusty

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