Monwabisi Strand Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the table for Monwabisi Strand.

The outlook starts pretty bleak, with a lot of wind messing things up for the first week and a half. But there’s a glimmer later on, though it comes with some size.

We’re looking at Monwabisi Strand (South Africa), a beginner-friendly sandbar that’s fairly consistent when conditions line up. This morning, Sunday the 13th, is actually the best it gets for a while. We’ve got a 5ft SSW groundswell rolling in with a 14-second period – that’s proper long-period energy, so it’ll be groomed nicely by the glassy conditions. The combined energy is pumping at 1490 (moderate to strong), and with zero wind, it’s clean as a whistle. This is the standout session if you’ve got an experienced head on you, though it might be a bit much for the absolute beginners at that size. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no need for a thick suit.

That Sunday morning window is it for a while. From Sunday afternoon right through to Monday the 21st, it’s a write-off. We’ve got strong cross-off, cross, and cross-onshore winds – consistently in the 15 to 22 mph range – that smash up any potential. The swell sticks around, but the quality is zero. You’re looking at over a week of poor to marginal conditions. Even though there’s a lot of energy in the water (check out Wednesday the 16th morning with 1629 energy), the wind just ruins it.

Things start to look a bit more hopeful on Tuesday the 22nd. Monday the 21st is still a no-go, but Tuesday morning brings a shift. There’s a 5ft SSW groundswell (15-second period) with a gentle cross-off breeze and clean conditions. The energy is high at 845 (moderate). That’s a solid session for anyone looking to get a wave after the long dry spell.

Then it gets interesting and a bit wild. Wednesday the 23rd afternoon sees a jump to 8ft SSW swell with a 13-second period. The energy is massive at 2895 (very strong), but the wind turns strong cross-onshore, making it a messy, choppy beast. That’s expert territory only, and even then, the wind will make it a battle. The next morning, Thursday the 24th, has a 4ft SSW groundswell with a very long 17-second period, and energy at 1898 (strong), but it’s again cross-onshore and choppy. Then Thursday afternoon – 8ft S swell, but with a short 9-second period and fresh cross-onshore wind. That combo is just ugly and lumpy, more for kites than paddles.

Friday the 25th morning is the last real hope. A 6ft SSW swell (14 seconds) with moderate cross-shore wind, giving a cleaner look than the days before. Energy is at 1622 (strong). It’s still got some chop, but it’s worth a look for experienced surfers.

So, to sum it up: your only real standout is Sunday morning, September 13th. That’s the glassy, clean one. After that, mark your calendar for Tuesday the 22nd morning for a decent pulse with clean conditions. The rest is a battle with the wind or too big and messy.

Stay patient, and keep an eye on the charts. Forecasts can always shift.

- Rusty

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