National Park Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and I’ve been watching this stretch of coast like a hawk. Let’s get into it.

Alright, the first few days are pretty flat and forgettable. Monday and Tuesday morning are tiny, with waves barely pushing 1ft to 2ft out of the ENE and NE. The wind’s offshore or light, so the water’s clean, but there’s just no grunt. The combined swell energy is pitiful – 47 to 72 (weak) – so it’s not worth paddling out on National Park unless you’re desperate for a float. Water temp’s sitting at 70°, which is about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Wednesday stays small, 2ft to 3ft from the SE, with a short period of 5 to 8 seconds. The wind’s light offshore or cross-off, keeping it clean, but the energy’s still weak (67 to 86). It’s surfable but ordinary.

Then Thursday morning kicks things up a notch. The swell jumps to 8ft from the SSE, with a period of 6 seconds, and the combined energy hits 450 (moderate). The wind’s fresh offshore from the SSE at 22 mph, so it’s clean but punching. However, this is a point break that works best with ENE swell, and this SSE direction is a mismatch. The waves will be raw and messy. Thursday afternoon, the swell cranks to 10ft from the SE, with energy soaring to 1137 (strong). That’s too big for most – over 8ft means it’s expert-only territory, and the short period of 8 seconds will make it dumpy and closing out. The wind’s fresh offshore, but the size and direction are a problem. This is honestly better for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Friday morning is the standout. The swell drops to 8ft from the SE, period 8 seconds, energy 626 (moderate). The wind is moderate offshore from the SE at 12 mph, keeping the face clean. This is the best on offer – still big for intermediates, but the offshore wind and the point’s shape will hold it together. The direction is closer to the optimum ENE, so it’s got some juice. Crowds are likely at National Park, as it’s often busy. Friday afternoon, the wind picks up to 19 mph, making it punchy and less inviting.

Saturday morning holds 6ft from the ESE, moderate offshore wind, energy 367. It’s workable but not a classic. By Saturday afternoon, the wind jumps to 19 mph again, and the quality drops. Sunday through Tuesday next week, the swell drops back to 3ft to 4ft, with light offshore winds and clean conditions, but the energy’s weak (66 to 192). It’s surfable but very ordinary.

The second week is a real mixed bag. Wednesday the 16th sees a bump to 6ft from the SE with moderate offshore wind, energy 308 – decent enough for a session. Thursday the 17th afternoon has 6ft from the SE, gentle offshore, energy 281. Friday the 18th morning has 6ft from the SE, cross-off wind, energy 286. These are okay, but not standouts. From Saturday the 19th onward, the wind turns cross-on or cross-shore, and the swell gets short and messy – periods of 5 to 11 seconds, but the direction’s off and the energy fades to 32 to 140. It’s a poor run to finish the 16-day window.

So, the one true standout is Friday morning, September 11th. National Park will have 8ft of SE swell, clean under a moderate offshore, and the point will line up. It’s big, but if you’ve got the skills, that’s the session. Thursday afternoon is too big and messy, so skip it unless you’re on a kite.

Rusty.

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