Padang Padang Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here, and I’ve been staring at the charts for the Bukit. This is a classic run of south swell for the region, and it’s all about one spot: Padang Padang (Indonesia). This is a reef break that’s inconsistent, but when it’s on, it’s a world-class barrel. The water temp is sitting right where it should be for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The overall pattern is a solid, extended pulse of SSW groundswell that builds through the first week and then hangs around, with persistent offshore winds. The combined swell energy is strong to very strong throughout, so get ready for some serious juice in the water.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start this morning, Tuesday the 4th, with 5ft to 6ft of SSW swell at 14 seconds and a moderate offshore breeze. It’s clean and very good, but the real fun kicks off tomorrow. Wednesday the 5th is a standout: the swell holds at 6ft, the period stretches to 15 seconds, and the offshore wind is still blowing. The wave energy is substantial (1463), and the conditions are calling for experienced surfers. This is where it gets good.

Thursday the 6th sees a jump in size to 7ft, but the morning wind is a bit cross-off, making it a little tricky. The afternoon, however, is all-time with a solid 7ft at 16 seconds and clean offshore wind. The energy is pumping (2397). This is a pattern that repeats: mornings can be a bit marginal with tide or wind, but the aftertons are pure gold.

Friday the 7th and Saturday the 8th are the heart of the swell. We’re looking at 8ft of SSW swell, periods of 16 to 17 seconds, and clean offshore wind. The energy readings are massive (3127 and 3640). This is big, powerful reef surf. It’s not for the faint of heart or beginners, as it’s well over 5ft. If you’re advanced and know the lineup, these are the days to be out there.

After a slight dip on Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th morning, the swell gets a second wind. Monday the 10th afternoon is a highlight: the swell jumps to 10ft at 18 seconds, with an offshore wind. The combined energy hits 4844, which is huge. This is a very long-period groundswell, which will wrap beautifully into the reef at Padang, but it will be a big, powerful, and challenging wave.

The following week, from Tuesday the 11th through to the end of the forecast period, the south swell continues to pump. Expect solid 7ft to 8ft waves with very long periods (15-17 seconds) and persistent offshore winds. The energy stays high, often in the 3000-4000 range. The standout of the second week is Tuesday the 18th, with a solid 8ft of 17-second SSW swell and moderate offshore wind, pumping out 3788 of energy. The crowds at Padang are *sometimes* an issue, and with this kind of forecast, you can bet it will be busy. But for those who can grab a wave, it’s going to be a session to remember.

Rusty

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