Mooloolaba Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let's have a look at what's on the table for the Mooloolaba area. I'm not gonna lie to you, it’s a lean stretch ahead. We’re looking at over a week of pretty ordinary conditions before anything even starts to look like a proper surf. The first solid recommendation doesn't pop up until Tuesday the 8th of September, and even then it's a bit of a mixed bag.

The main break we're dealing with is Mooloolaba itself, a beach and reef setup that’s inconsistent and can get crowded. It's exposed to the swell but the optimum direction is from the NE, so we need that to line up. The water temp is sitting at about 68°, which is a bit colder than average for this time of year, so you'll want the steamer if you’re heading out.

So, for the first week, forget it. We’ve got small, choppy, onshore slop from Thursday the 3rd through to Tuesday the 8th. It’s just not worth paddling out for. The wind is mostly onshore or cross-on, and the swell is tiny and weak, with combined energy readings barely breaking 77 (weak). It’s a write-off.

Then, on Tuesday the 8th of September, things get a bit interesting. The afternoon session shows a jump in swell to 7ft from the SE, with a short period of 7 seconds. The wind is a clean cross-off, and the combined energy jumps to 392 (moderate). Now, that 7ft is getting up there – it’s in the expert-only territory for size, and the short period means it’ll be a bit bumpy and won't have that long-period power. But, it’s the best we’ve got in a long time. The setup might be more appealing for a kite surfer than a paddle surfer given the size and conditions, but if you're an experienced local, Tuesday afternoon is the standout.

After that, Wednesday the 9th of September morning is a weird one. The swell drops right back to 3ft from the ESE with a 6-second period, but the wind goes glassy. It'll be clean, but tiny. The energy is weak at 78.

Then we get another spike on Thursday the 10th of September afternoon. Another 7ft swell from the SE with a 7-second period, and a strong 35 km/h cross-off wind. The energy is up at 460 (moderate), but that wind is going to make it a choppy, difficult session. Again, maybe a kite day.

Friday the 11th of September morning offers 6ft from the ESE with a 6-second period and a clean cross-off wind. It’s marginal, but it’s the last of the bigger bumps before it fades again.

From Saturday the 12th right through to the end of the forecast on Friday the 18th of September, it's back to small, weak, and mostly poor conditions. There are a couple of clean windows in the mornings, like Tuesday the 15th with glassy conditions, but the swell is only 2ft and the energy is weak. It’s just not going to be any fun.

So, to sum it up: don't bother for the next week. If you're desperate and experienced, Tuesday the 8th of September afternoon is your only real shot at something with a bit of push, but keep your expectations low. Everything else is either too small, too messy, or both. It’s a tough stretch.

Rusty.

Read more