Number Fours Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Alright, let’s have a look at what’s cooking at Number Fours for the next couple of weeks.

The first few days are a bit of a tease. We’ve got a nice little window on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st August, with some clean, glassy conditions and a small but long-period groundswell. After that, the wind really starts to howl and things go a bit ragged for a solid week. There’s a long stretch of poor to marginal conditions from Saturday 22nd through to Wednesday 2nd September. Then, just when you’re about to give up, the forecast hints at a proper little gem right at the end of the run, on Friday 4th September.

Thursday 20th August (Morning & Afternoon): This is where we start. The swell is small, coming in at 2ft from the SSW, but it’s got a very long period of 18 seconds. That’s proper groundswell energy, and with combined swell energy at 261 (weak), it’s not going to be pumping, but it will have shape. The wind is light cross-off at 3-6 mph, and the water temp is a comfortable 80°, bang on average for this time of year. It’s clean, it’s small, but it’s surfable.

Friday 21st August (Morning & Afternoon): Swell bumps up just a touch to 2ft from the SW, still with a long period of 16-17 seconds. The morning is a bit messy with a cross-shore breeze, but the afternoon turns glassy. Combined energy is still low at 264 (weak), but with zero wind in the arvo, you’ll be getting some clean little lines. It’s a good day to be out if you’ve got a log or a fish.

Saturday 22nd August – Monday 1st September: A long, ugly stretch. The wind cranks up to 22-28 mph from the ENE, which is cross-off but way too strong for clean surfing. Swell bounces between 2ft and 7ft, but with that brutal wind, the surface will be a mess. On the 23rd and 24th, the period drops to a short 6-7 seconds, so it’s choppy and weak. Combined energy gets up into the 500-800 range (moderate) but the quality is just poor. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle session. From the 26th onwards, things shift to marginal with a bit more south in the swell, but the wind is relentless. It’s a write-off.

Thursday 3rd September (Morning): The wind finally starts to ease. Swell is a solid 7ft from the ENE with a period of 9 seconds, and combined energy is a strong 1397. This is expert-only territory, as anything over 8ft gets serious. The wind is down to 9 mph, which makes it cleaner, but the size and power are going to be challenging. It’s a step in the right direction.

Friday 4th September (Morning & Afternoon): This is the standout. The wind drops right off to 3-6 mph from the NE, going glassy in the afternoon. Swell sits at a very manageable 5-6ft from the ENE, with a period of 9 seconds. Combined energy is moderate at 520-607, but the quality is where it’s at. With light winds and clean conditions, this is the pick of the forecast. It’s a bit far out, so don’t bank on it, but if it holds, Friday 4th September will be the day to be at Number Fours. Just keep an eye on the crowds, as this spot can get busy.

Rusty.

Read more