Long Strand-Castlefreke Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at the outlook for Long Strand-Castlefreke. I’m not gonna lie to you, this forecast is a tough one for the next 16 days – there’s just no good surf on the cards. We’ve got a long stretch of quiet, messy conditions ahead, so keep the boards in the shed for a bit.

The first real break in the pattern doesn’t show up until around Thursday, 20th September. Before that, we’re looking at a solid 10-day gap of either tiny waves or strong, messy onshore winds. From the 9th to the 19th, it’s a mix of small 0.6ft to 3ft slop, with the combined energy of all swells staying in the weak to moderate zone (values between 10 and 289). The wind is mostly cross-onshore, chopping everything up. Not worth paddling out for.

There’s a flicker of hope on the 13th (Sunday morning) with a clean cross-offshore breeze and a tiny 1ft SW swell, but the energy is only 22 – that’s just too weak to get excited about. For a spot that’s exposed to a SW optimum, the swell direction is okay, but the size and period aren’t there.

Around Thursday, 20th September morning, we finally see a clean cross-offshore breeze from the NNE at 12 mph, with a 1ft SW swell (9-second period). It’s clean, but the combined energy is only 45. That’s not a standout. The real hope comes later that afternoon and into the following week.

The best we’re looking at is Sunday, 20th September afternoon, through to Monday, 21st September. The afternoon of the 20th brings a 4ft SE swell with a 5-second period, and clean cross-offshore winds from the East at 9 mph. The combined energy hits 113 (moderate). Monday morning is the pick: a 4ft SE swell, 6-second period, clean ENE cross-offshore breeze at 15 mph, and energy of 171. That’s the most energy we see all outlook. The SE direction isn’t the optimum SW, but the clean conditions will make it surfable. It’s a bit short-period (6 seconds), so it’ll be a bit walled up at the beach, but for a spot that’s been dead, it’s the best on offer.

After that, things drop off again. Tuesday the 22nd stays clean with cross-offshore winds, but the swell drops to 4ft and then 2ft, with energy falling back to 84. The 23rd and 24th are tiny again (0.6ft to 1ft), with clean offshore winds, but just no power.

This is a classic blank run for the area. It’s a fairly consistent spot normally, so it tends not to stay this poor for long. Forecasts can change, but for now, if you’re desperate, keep your eye on the Monday, 21st September morning session. That’s your one shot at a clean, waist-high wave with a bit of push. For everything else, the kite surfers might have more fun than us.

Rusty.

Read more