Onjuku Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve got the scoop on what’s coming up for the next couple of weeks. It’s a bit of a slow start, but there’s some real pulse in the water if you’re willing to wait. The first decent surf doesn’t show until Saturday the 12th, and from there we’re looking at a patchy run with a few standout windows. Let’s get into it.

We kick off on Saturday the 12th of September at Onjuku. Small but clean – we’re looking at 2 ft of easterly swell, with a period of 14 seconds, giving it some long-period groundswell feel. The wind is offshore from the NNE at 12 mph, keeping it glassy. The combined swell energy is sitting at 202, which is moderate. It’s inconsistent here, so you’ll be waiting between sets, but when they come, the shape will be there. Water temp is about average for the time of year, no major anomaly to report. Crowds are sometimes around, so you might have a few mates in the water.

Sunday the 13th is similar – 2 ft from the ESE, still with that clean vibe in the morning. Light offshore winds from the north at 6 mph, and the energy bumps up to 218. Afternoon gets a bit sketchy with an onshore crosswind, so aim for the early session. Monday the 14th is a write-off – onshore winds and messy surf, better to take the day off. Tuesday the 15th has a gem of a morning: glassy conditions, light SSW winds at 3 mph, and 2 ft of easterly swell with a 14-second period. The energy jumps to 377, which is a sign of life. It’s still inconsistent, but those glassy windows are precious.

Wednesday the 16th and Thursday the 17th are marginal at best – small waves and choppy or cross-off winds. Not worth rushing out for.

Now, Friday the 18th gets interesting. We’ve got a pulse of 6 ft from the SE early, with a very long 17-second period. The combined energy skyrockets to 2018 – that’s strong stuff. Wind is offshore from the NNE at 22 mph, so it’ll be clean but fresh. This is definitely one for experienced surfers; at that size and period, it’s going to be powerful and a bit heavy. Chances are the crowd will thin out because it’s a handful. Later in the day it builds to 7 ft, still with a 16-second period and energy at 2887. This is the standout in the first week – big, clean, and for those who can handle it.

Saturday the 19th sees the swell pushing 10 ft, but the wind turns cross-off, and it’s a bit too large for Onjuku’s setup. The energy is massive at 3423, but it’s really only for experts at this size. Sunday the 20th drops back to 5 ft from the SSE, with clean cross-off winds and energy at 894. This is a solid option – moderate size and clean, though still on the bigger side for beginners.

The second week is a real rollercoaster. Monday the 21st is small and clean-ish at 4 ft, but by Tuesday the 22nd the wind goes onshore and ruins it. Wednesday the 23rd is huge but blown out – 5 ft with a 15-second period but near-gale SSW winds at 34 mph. That’s a no-go for surfing, unless you’ve got a kite. Thursday the 24th cleans up with cross-off winds and a double overhead swell at 10 ft, energy at 4762 – that’s for the brave only. Friday the 25th pushes 12 ft, and the report is clear: too big for this break. Same for Saturday the 26th at 15 ft, and Sunday the 27th at 13 ft. These are massive, clean, cross-off days, but only for big wave chargers who know the spot well.

Best on offer: the early clean windows on Saturday the 12th and Tuesday the 15th morning for small-wave fun, and the big, powerful pulse on Friday the 18th for the experienced crew. The last week is pure size – keep an eye on it, but don’t expect a normal paddle.

Stay safe, check the tides, and I’ll catch you in the water.

Rusty

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