North wall Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and I’ve been staring at the charts for Northwall (a beach/groyne/river setup) for the next couple of weeks. It’s a mixed bag, but there are a couple of windows that’ll get the blood pumping.

The first solid surf worth paddling out for kicks off on Monday, 7 September. Monday morning sees a 6ft S swell, with a period of 9 seconds, and cross-off winds from the SSW. The water is sitting at 69°, which is about average for this time of year. The combined energy hits 568 (moderate), so it’s got some push. The waves should be clean and lined up, though the 6ft is pushing into the too-big-for-beginners zone. Still, a solid session for the average surfer.

Tuesday, 8 September, is a bit of a mixed message. Morning is 5ft S swell at 8 seconds, cross-off winds from the S, but the reports call it marginal. The energy is 320 (moderate), and the afternoon pushes up to 7ft with a short 7-second period and 563 energy. The wind stays cross-off but it’s fresh, so it’s going to be a bumpy ride. This one’s for the locals who don’t mind a bit of grunt.

Now, the standout. Wednesday, 9 September, morning is the pick of the early run. A 7ft SSE swell, 10-second period, glassy conditions with winds from the SSW at just 3 mph. The energy is 779 (moderate). This is going to be clean, lined up, and absolutely glassy. The 7ft is a bit big for beginners, but for the rest of us, it’s a dream. Get out there early.

Thursday, 10 September, is a warning. The swell jumps to 12ft in the morning (energy 1558 – strong), and it’s too big for this break. The wind is cross-off from the S at 22 mph, so it’s wild. This is expert-only, and even then, you’d want to be on your A-game. The afternoon holds at 10ft (energy 1326) with cross-shore winds. It’s not a paddle-out day for most.

Friday, 11 September, drops off. The morning is 4ft SSE swell with a very long 14-second period, energy 1150 (strong). The wind is cross-off, but the reports call it marginal. That long period will make it straight and fat at the beach break, so the point surfers and reef guys might have a better time. The afternoon is 7ft with a 12-second period and cross-shore wind, so it’s lumpy.

Saturday, 12 September, offers 8ft SSE swell in the morning (7-second period, 523 energy) with clean cross-off winds, but it’s still marginal. The afternoon is 8ft with a 10-second period, but cross-shore winds make it messy.

Now, another potential standout. Sunday, 13 September, morning is a beautiful 3ft SSE swell with a whopping 19-second period. Energy is 1109 (strong) – that’s a lot of grunt for a small wave. The wind is glassy from the SE at 3 mph. The water is still 69°. This is a long-period groundswell, so it’ll be peeling and clean, but the long wait between sets means you’ll have time to catch your breath. It’s excellent for experienced surfers because the 3ft won’t hold you back, and the glassy conditions are mint. The only downside? It’s a Sunday, so crowds are possible.

After that, the week gets patchy. Monday, 14 September, morning is 4ft SSE swell at 11 seconds, but cross-on winds from the N make it marginal. The rest of the week is a write-off – small swells, bad winds, and poor surf quality. The combined energy drops to 291 or less, and the winds are either cross-on or fresh cross-shore.

There’s a glimmer on Wednesday, 16 September, morning with a 3ft SSE swell, 11-second period, and glassy NNW winds at 3 mph. Energy is 441 (moderate), and it’s clean, but it’s only a small window.

From Thursday, 17 September, onwards, it’s a long stretch of nothing. The swells are small (1ft to 5ft), the winds are all over the place, and the energy is weak (under 200). The best I can say is the morning of Sunday, 20 September, sees a 1ft SSE swell with a 13-second period and light cross-shore wind, but it’s a poor prospect.

If you’re a kite surfer, the afternoons of Tuesday, 8 September, or Thursday, 10 September, with strong winds and big, messy swell, could be your thing. For paddle surfing, your best bets are the morning of Wednesday, 9 September (the absolute standout), and the morning of Sunday, 13 September (the long-period glassy gem). The rest is a gamble or a scratch.

Stay salty,
Rusty

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