Padang Padang Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a proper look at the next 16 days for Padang Padang. It’s a classic reef set-up that needs a solid SW groundswell to light up, and thankfully, it’s looking like we’re in for a proper run. The water temp feels about average for this time of year, nothing too crazy.

Right from Saturday the 12th of September, it’s on. Clean offshore ESE breezes are blowing, and we’ve got a nice 5ft swell from the southwest with a long 14-second period – that’s proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is strong at 1727, and it’s a real standout for the early part of the forecast. Sunday the 13th is even better: 6ft in the morning and then 7ft in the afternoon, both from the SW with periods around 17-18 seconds, and the energy kicks up to 2566 and 2637. Offshore winds hold all day, so you’re looking at clean, powerful waves. This is expert territory, no doubt.

Monday and Tuesday hold in at 6ft to 6ft, with the wind staying offshore or cross-offshore. The energy stays high, in the 1400s, so there’s still plenty of push. But keep in mind, Padang is inconsistent – it doesn’t fire every day, so when it’s on like this, you gotta make the call. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so expect company if you paddle out.

We dip a little mid-week around Thursday 18th and Friday 19th, with swell dropping to 4ft-5ft and lighter 9 mph offshore breezes. The energy is a bit more moderate at 883-1027, but the wind is super clean – almost glassy. It’ll be smaller and more user-friendly, but still quality for those who know the reef.

Then, from Sunday the 20th of September, it turns right back on. We’re looking at 7ft to 8ft SW swells with long periods of 16-18 seconds. The energy is huge – up to 3877 by Saturday the 26th – and the wind is offshore the whole way through. The morning of the 26th is an absolute standout: 8ft from the SSW, 18-second period, a gentle 9 mph offshore breeze, and energy at 3877. That’s as good as it gets around here.

Just a heads up, the surf stays above 7ft for most of the second week, so this is strictly for experienced surfers. Beginners should sit this one out. The long-period swell is ideal for a reef like Padang – better shaped waves, longer lulls between sets, and plenty of grunt.

So, to sum it up: the best of the best are Sunday the 13th and Saturday the 26th. The 13th has that solid 7ft afternoon pulse with offshore wind, and the 26th delivers the biggest, cleanest swell of the whole run. If you can only pick one, make it the 26th.

Rusty.

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