Mainside Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty again. Let’s run through this same sorry story in feet and miles per hour.

We’re looking at Mainside for the next 16 days, and I’ll be honest, it’s a bleak picture. The first week is a total loss. The surf doesn’t even offer a sniff of a rideable wave until Thursday afternoon, 10th September.

Monday and Tuesday (7th-8th) are dominated by a strong 19 mph wind out of the north and north-northwest, making everything cross-onshore and lumpy. The swell will be between 6 and 8 ft, but the period is short (8-9 seconds), giving a moderate combined energy (817 on Monday morning). It’s junk. Wednesday (9th) is still messy with a 19 mph cross-shore, dropping to a poor 4-5 ft.

The first real chance comes Thursday afternoon, 10th September. The wind eases to a gentle 9 mph from the east-northeast, going cross-offshore, and the water cleans up. The swell is a small 4 ft from the north with a 9-second period and moderate energy (262). Water temps are about average for this time of year, no surprise there.

Friday 11th September is the only true standout in the whole 16-day window. It’s small, with 3 ft in the morning dropping to 3 ft in the afternoon from the north, but the wind goes a moderate offshore from the east-southeast at 16 mph. That means clean, lined-up waves. The combined energy is weak (170 and 110), so it’s a grovel, but it’s the cleanest surf on offer.

From Saturday 12th September onward, the swell just packs its bags. We’re looking at ankle-biters, mostly under 3 ft, right through to the 22nd. There’s a brief, useless spike of 3 ft on Sunday afternoon (13th) from the east with a pathetic 7-second period. The combined energy drops to double digits (47, 83, 106) – that’s weak. Winds are often offshore or cross-offshore, which is a crying shame because there’s no power behind it.

This is a reef break that’s usually consistent, but it’s a rough run. Crowds can show up sometimes, but they won’t be out for this. Beginners can stay home – it’s either too messy or too tiny. For experts, maybe Friday 11th offers a few clean little corners to play on, but that’s it.

The one and only highlight is Friday 11th September morning. 3 ft from the north with a clean, offshore wind (ESE). It’s the best of a very bad lot.

Honestly, this stretch looks more interesting for a kite than a paddle. A real blank run for the area.

Rusty.

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