Padang Padang Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright crew, Rusty here. Let’s break down the next couple of weeks for Padang Padang.

The first few days are looking pretty average, with only marginal surf, but the longer-range forecast has some real heat building. The water temp is about 80°F, which is pretty much normal for this time of year.

The real standout window kicks off around the 31st of July. That Friday morning sees a nice 5ft swell from the SW, with a period of 18 seconds – that’s real groundswell with serious energy behind it (combined energy of 2014). The wind is offshore from the SE at 15 mph, keeping things clean. Best of all, the wave comment calls it "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers". This is the pick of the bunch. The swell direction is straight in the optimum window for Padang Padang, which is a reef break that handles that SW direction perfectly. It’s an inconsistent spot, so you need to be patient, but when it comes, it’ll be worth it. Crowds are possible, so get there early.

Leading into the 1st of August, Saturday morning sees the swell bump up to 8ft from the SW with a 17-second period, and combined energy of 4173. That’s a serious size – only for experts. The wind is still offshore from the ESE at 18 mph, but with that size, it’s going to be a heavy, powerful wave. The morning of the 31st is the best balance of size and quality.

Earlier in the window, from the 18th through to the 24th, we’ve got small to moderate SW and SSW swell, but the wave comments keep flagging "marginal" conditions. The wind is offshore, which is a plus, but the swell energy is low to moderate (around 600-900 range) and the periods are shorter. The 20th of July has a 5ft swell from the SSW with a 16-second period, but it’s still tagged as marginal. Not worth getting too excited about.

The 25th of July Saturday afternoon shows a bit of life: 4ft from the SSW, 14-second period, offshore wind, and the note says "expect very good surf conditions". That’s a solid afternoon session, but the swell is only moderate.

The 27th of July Monday morning has a 6ft from the SE with a short 8-second period, which is more windswell than groundswell. It’s clean with offshore wind, but that short period means it won’t have the same power or shape as the longer period stuff later in the month.

If you’re looking to plan, the 31st of July Friday morning is the standout. The 1st of August is for the brave only. The rest of the second week is a mix of moderate SSW swell with offshore winds, but nothing tops that last day of July.

A couple of points: the 27th of July afternoon drops to a tiny 2ft from the SSW with a 20-second period – that’s a super long period, but tiny wave height, so it’s a glassy, clean little wave but not much push.

Overall, the first week and a half are a bit of a write-off, but the end of July and start of August fire up nicely. Keep an eye on that 31st of July.

Rusty.

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