Ponto Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let me tell you straight up: this 16-day window for Ponto is a tough one. The opening stretch is flat and the reports keep saying “poor.” Don’t get your hopes up too early, but hang in there—there is a pulse of bigger swell coming mid-period that might just save the week.

The first real chance to get wet is Thursday morning, 3rd September. It’s tiny, only 2 feet from the SSW with a long 15-second period, so the river mouth might milk a few lines. The water is cooking at 76°F, which is a whopping 4°F warmer than normal – that’s very unusual, like bathwater for this time of year. The wind is light and blowing onshore from the SW at 9 mph, so expect soft, sloppy conditions. Combined swell energy is highest for this day at 363 (moderate), but the surf quality is poor. Not a standout, just a chance to float.

Things pick up Friday morning, 4th September: 3 feet from the SSW, 17-second groundswell, with a light SW wind at 6 mph holding onshore. The energy has bumped to 689 (moderate). Still marginal – tide could be an issue. Friday afternoon stays similar, 3 feet, 16 seconds, cross-onshore wind. Saturday morning, 5th September, looks okay at 3 feet, 16 seconds, with some clouds and light W wind straight onshore. Energy is 857 (moderate). It’s marginal at best though.

The one true stand-out arrives Saturday afternoon, 5th September through Sunday, 6th September. By Saturday arvo, the swell jumps to 4 feet from the SSW with 16 seconds, and the combined energy hits 1205 (strong). Wind is WNW at 12 mph and cross-onshore – it’ll be choppy, but that is the biggest surf on offer so far. Sunday morning, 6th September, is the pick: 6 feet from the S, 14-second period, with light NW wind at 6 mph that’s only cross-shore. Energy is 1489 (strong). The surf is still marginal due to tide, but that’s the most size you’ll see all week. Sunday afternoon holds 7 feet from the S, 14 seconds, though the wind turns slightly cross-onshore. That 7 feet is starting to push into bigger territory – fine for intermediates and above, but beginners might find it too much.

Monday, 7th September, drops back a notch: 7 feet in the morning, dropping to 6 feet Tuesday, with WNW winds cross-onshore around 9 mph. It’s fairly consistent but messy, energy staying around 1450–1215 (strong). Crowds are likely at Ponto (often), so expect company if you head out then.

By Wednesday morning, 9th September, the swell has dropped to 4 feet from the SSW with an 11-second period. Winds are still cross-onshore, energy down to 617 (moderate). The rest of the forecast is littered with poor conditions and small swell – 2 feet to 3 feet – through to 18th September. Thursday morning, 17th September, sees a tiny 2 feet with a 21-second period (very long), energy only 311 (weak). Friday, 18th September, pushes back to 3 feet from the SW with 19 seconds, energy 838 (moderate). But the comments still call it marginal. There’s no second real standout in the second week.

Given that the biggest cleaner swells come with poor wind quality on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, it’s worth saying the overall setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing on those choppier days. Long-period groundswell like Sunday morning’s 7 feet at 14 seconds might break a bit straight at Ponto’s beach-and-river setup, but a point or reef would handle it better. Keep an eye on Sunday 6th September as the best on offer, even with the caveats.

That’s the lot. Stay tuned, forecasts can change.

Rusty

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