Mooloolaba Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Lookin’ at Mooloolaba for the next couple weeks, and I gotta be straight with ya — it’s mostly flat or junk. The first real chance for a surf doesn’t roll in for over a week, and even then it’s a short window. Water temp’s about normal for September, right around 70°, nothing unusual.

The pick of the bunch is Saturday, 19 September. Morning sees a clean 5 ft swell out of the ESE, 10-second period, with a light cross-off breeze out of the SSE. Combined swell energy is 532 — that’s moderate, some real push. Mooloolaba’s inconsistent, so when it’s on, it’s a treat. Afternoon cleans up more: 5 ft, same ESE direction, 10-second period, with a light ESE cross-off breeze. The longer period (10 seconds) gives the waves some shape and energy. Beginners will be fine — it’s under 5 ft — and the wind is glassy enough. Crowds are often around, so expect a few locals out.

Before that Saturday? Ugly. Friday 11 September starts with a 6 ft ESE swell (7-second period, energy 364), but it’s cross-off with 12 mph winds. Short-period, bumpy, marginal. Friday arvo, all of Saturday, Sunday, and Monday are duds — rain, poor conditions, or just knee-high chop. By Monday 14 September we’re down to 3 ft with a 6-second period and energy a weak 66. Save the wax.

Tuesday 16 September sees some size pop — 2 ft Wednesday morning, then Wednesday arvo jumps to 8 ft SE (7 seconds, energy 613), but the wind’s a fresh 22 mph cross-off. That’s not clean surf — it’s more for the kite crew. For experienced riders only at that size and wind. Thursday and Friday 18–19 September hover around 7 ft SE (9-second period, energy climbing over 600–700), but still cross-off and messy with moderate-to-fresh breezes. Marginal conditions.

Saturday 19 September is the only real highlight. From Sunday 20 September onward, it’s a long stretch of small, cross-on slop — dropping under 3 ft, periods under 8 seconds, energy falling to weak levels. Wind goes onshore or glassy but with no swell to speak of. The end of the forecast, from 24 September onward, shows some size again (6 ft SE, 7 seconds on Thursday morning), but it’s straight onshore from the north. Not worth a paddle.

So, you’re lookin’ at a long, dry spell with one clean Saturday morning on 19 September. That’s the only real standout. Rest of the time, it’s small, windy, or both. Forecasts can change, but right now it’s slim pickings.

Rusty.

Read more