Manly Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer for Manly over the next couple of weeks.

It’s a bit of a slow start, but hang in there. The first few days are a write-off with poor surf, though we do get a little window on Monday the 7th. The water’s sitting at 65°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real chance to get wet that’s worth mentioning is Monday morning, the 7th of September. We’ve got a 5ft southerly swell, but the real story is the wind: NNW at 5 mph and glassy. That’s a beautiful start to the day. The wave energy is moderate (308), and while the swell is short period at 8 seconds, the clean conditions will make it feel better than it looks. It’s a beginner-friendly point break, so if you’re just getting into it, this is your moment.

Tuesday the 8th sees a jump in size – 8ft from the SSE – but the wind is a cross-off at 12 mph, keeping it clean. The energy is strong (900). Still, it’s marginal for tide and quality, so only a score of 1 for the morning. The afternoon drops to 6ft with a light cross-shore, but it’s choppy and not the best.

Now, the standout. Friday morning, the 11th of September – this is the one to circle. We’ve got 8ft southerly swell with a 10-second period, and the wind is light WSW at 6 mph, cross-off. That’s clean, lined-up, and powerful. The combined wave energy is a massive 2355, which is strong to very strong. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The break is a point, so it should handle that size and direction nicely. If you’ve got the skill, this is the best on offer in the whole forecast.

Saturday the 12th brings a touch less size – 6ft from the south at 11 seconds – and offshore wind from the SW at 6 mph. Clean, good energy (754), and a solid option for a decent session. Sunday morning the 13th is small and not worth it.

There’s a gap of a few days after that with mostly poor or marginal conditions, but then Tuesday the 15th gives a little bump: 6ft southerly swell, 8-second period, and light SSE wind at 6 mph, cross-off. The energy is moderate (608) and it’s clean. A fair session for a weekday.

The second week gets a bit weird. On Thursday the 17th, we have a tiny 3ft swell but with a very long 17-second period from the south. The wind is glassy, ENE at 3 mph. For a point break, that long period could wrap in nicely, but it’s small. Energy is moderate (691). It’s a promising but uncertain call.

Later, on Friday the 18th afternoon, there’s a 3ft south swell with a 19-second period – that’s seriously long. The wind is cross-off from the WNW at 16 mph, keeping it clean. The wave energy is strong (1251). Again, the point should handle the long period, but the size is small. Worth a look if you’re keen on a long-period groundswell.

Overall, Friday the 11th is the clear winner. The rest is a mix of small windows and clean conditions, but nothing else comes close to that session.

Keep an eye on the forecasts, but for now, that’s the story.

- Rusty

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