Namotu Lefts Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’re looking at a pretty long run ahead for Namotu Lefts, but I gotta be straight with you—the start of this outlook is rough. We’re surfing through Saturday the 15th of August with light rain and a cross-onshore breeze kicking in at 19 mph, and it’s messy out there. Swell’s tiny at 3 ft from the SSW with a long 17-second period, but the wind is just chopping it up. The combined wave energy is moderate (600), but with that wind, it’s not worth paddling out. Water temp is 78°, which is bang on average for this time of year.

Sunday the 16th ain’t much better. The morning’s still light rain with a light cross breeze at 6 mph, and the swell’s still just 3 ft from the SSW, period still long at 16 seconds. Energy’s up a bit (829), but it’s questionable. The afternoon is much the same—nothing to get excited about.

Monday the 17th? Well, the swell jumps to 5 ft in the morning from the SSW, 16-second period, but the wind is howling cross-shore at 22 mph, and the energy is through the roof (2101—that’s strong!), but the surface is lumpy and cross-chopped. It’s a no-go. Afternoon’s even worse with 25 mph cross-onshore. Tuesday the 18th is just more of the same: 6 ft swell but strong winds making a mess. Wednesday the 19th pushes 8 ft from the SSW with a 14-second period and 19 mph cross winds—energy is very strong (3095), but this is big and messy, only for experts if anyone’s keen, but the wind is a dealbreaker.

Now, Thursday the 20th sees a shift. The swell drops to 6 ft from the south, period shortening to 10 seconds, but the wind turns cross-offshore at 22 mph, and the water goes clean. Energy is still strong (1313). This is the first real window—cleaner lines, but still marginal with that shorter period. The afternoon fades a bit.

Then Friday the 21st of August—this is where it gets good. Morning has a 5 ft south swell, 13-second period, with a light cross-offshore breeze at 6 mph. Energy is solid (1188), and the report says excellent conditions for experienced surfers. The afternoon is even better: glassy. Wind drops to 3 mph from the SE, and it’s dead calm. The swell holds at 5 ft from the south, and the conditions are clean as a whistle. This is the standout—best on offer in the first week. The break is a reef, so that long 13-second groundswell will wrap in nicely.

Saturday the 22nd is still decent with a 6 ft SE swell and a cross-off breeze, but the period is a touch shorter at 12 seconds. Energy is very strong (1638). The afternoon glass off looks promising too.

After that, the surf fades. Sunday the 23rd drops to 3 ft, and the energy is weak (319). There’s a noticeable gap from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday morning the 26th—small waves and marginal conditions. Wednesday the 26th afternoon picks up a glassy 3 ft from the SW with a 13-second period, but it’s tiny.

Now for the second week—Thursday the 27th of August is a cracker. Morning is glassy, 3 mph wind from the SE, and a 5 ft SW swell with a very long 17-second period. Energy is strong (1158), and the report says excellent for experienced surfers. This is the other standout—long-period groundswell, perfect for this reef. The afternoon turns cross-onshore though, so get it early.

Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th are blown out with strong winds again. Sunday the 30th has a 6 ft SW swell but a fresh breeze from the SE at 22 mph—clean but still 13-14 second period. Energy is strong (1277-1183), but the wind is pushing hard.

Overall, the two true standouts are Friday the 21st afternoon—glassy, clean, 5 ft south swell—and Thursday the 27th morning—glassy, 5 ft SW groundswell with 17-second period. Crowds are rare here, which is a bonus. Get in the water then. Otherwise, it’s a lot of wind and chop to sift through.

Rusty.

Read more