Lyall Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk Lyall Bay in feet and miles per hour, like a proper local.

Water temp’s about 55°F, dead average for the time of year, nothing unusual.

The first few days are a complete bust. Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th are a total loss. We’re looking at a 16ft southerly swell on Tuesday arvo with a near gale slamming straight onshore – that’s dangerous, not surfing. The combined energy is massive (4420). Wednesday’s still ugly with 13ft and onshore winds.

Thursday the 20th is where we get a glimmer. Thursday morning is still iffy, but Thursday afternoon? That’s our window. Swell drops to a much friendlier 5ft from the south, 9-second period, and the wind goes glassy. That’s a huge deal. The combined energy is moderate (480), and you’re looking at clean, glassy conditions. For a beginner spot that doesn’t break all the time, this is a real treat. It’s not a huge swell, but for a clean, easy session, this is the pick of the first week.

From Friday the 21st right through the end of the month, it’s a long dry spell. The wind is offshore or cross-offshore, so the surface looks good, but the swell disappears – we’re talking 1ft to 5ft, with combined energy barely above 100 (weak). The wind is also strong, 15 to 31 mph, so you’re fighting the breeze for tiny waves. There’s a solid gap of about a week with nothing worth paddling for.

Into the second week, there’s a blip on the radar for Wednesday the 2nd of September. Another big southerly swell arrives at 10ft, period around 10-11 seconds, with offshore wind from the north. The combined energy jumps to 3263 (very strong). But 10ft is big – expert territory – and with that much power, it’s probably too much for this spot. The offshore wind will keep it clean, but you’ll need serious skill.

Bottom line: Thursday the 20th afternoon is your best shot for clean, fun waves. The big pulse on the 2nd of September is one for the experienced crew to keep an eye on, but don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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