Pipeline Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Rusty here.

Right now, the outlook is a bit of a waiting game. There’s surf on the table, but it’s not the kind that gets the heart pumping just yet. The first real recommendation kicks off on Sunday the 13th of September, but don’t get too excited—it’s a slow start.

Sunday morning at Pipeline sees a small 3ft swell pushing in from the NNE, but it’s got a short period of 9 seconds and the wind is blowing cross-offshore from the ENE at 9 mph. The water temp is sitting at 81°, which is bang on average for this time of year—no surprises there. The combined energy is moderate (302), but the call is "marginal" at best. It’s clean, but small and a bit weak. Not worth paddling out for unless you’re desperate for a splash.

From there, things actually drop off. Monday the 14th through to Saturday the 19th is pretty much a write-off—sizes hover around 1ft to 3ft, with period bouncing between 15 and 24 seconds. That long period stuff sounds good, but the swell direction is all over the place (SW, SSW) and the wind stays cross-off from the E or ENE at 12 to 19 mph. The energy numbers climb a bit—up to 628 on Friday the 18th morning—but the surf quality is rated poor or marginal. It’s clean, but there’s just not enough push. No standouts here.

Sunday the 20th rolls in with another 3ft morning from the SSW, period 15 seconds, cross-off wind at 19 mph. Energy is strong (520), but again, the call is marginal. The afternoon goes back to poor. This pattern holds through the week—same story: 2ft to 3ft, SSW to SW swell, cross-off winds, moderate to fresh breeze. The waves are clean but gutless. Not the kind of stuff you tell your mates about.

Now, Sunday the 27th of September afternoon is where things finally get interesting. Swell shifts to the WNW at 2ft with a 16-second period, and the wind is cross-off from the ENE at 16 mph. The combined energy jumps to 609—strong. It’s still a marginal call, but that’s the best we’ve seen in days. The direction matches what Pipeline loves (WNW), and that long period groundswell has some punch. It’s an expert wave, small but with real shape potential. This is the standout of the outlook.

Monday the 28th follows up with similar conditions: SSW swell around 3ft, 17-second period, lighter cross-off winds at 12 mph. Energy hits 777 in the morning—moderate to strong. It’s still marginal, but consistent and clean. A solid end to the run.

Overall, there’s a big gap of almost two weeks of poor to marginal surf before that late September window shows some promise. If you’re keen, keep an eye on the 27th and 28th—that WNW swell is the real deal for Pipeline, even if the size is small. Crowds are often here, so expect company. For the rest? Leave the board in the car and wait.

Rusty.

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