Racetrack Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the stretch ahead. It’s looking like we’ve got a solid run of surf on the cards, so let’s get straight into it.

We’re kicking off with a bit of a bang. From Saturday the 29th of August, we’ve got clean, lined-up swell with a good SSW pulse. The combined energy is strong at 1551 (moderate to strong), and that’s with a nice 15-second period groundswell. Wave heights are sitting around 6 ft, which is pushing into the more serious end of things—this is one for the experienced crew. The water temperature is 79°, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing weird there. The wind is light and cross-off from the SE, keeping things clean.

Now, the standout for the whole period has to be Racetrack (reef and point). This spot is consistent, exposed, and it loves a solid SSW to SW direction, which matches the guidance optimum. The crowds are always a factor here, so expect company. The real magic window looks like Saturday morning August 29th, and then again on Monday morning August 31st through Tuesday morning September 1st. On Tuesday morning, we’re looking at 7 ft of SSW swell, 18-second period, moderate offshore breeze from the ESE, and combined energy hitting 2494 (strong). That’s premium, heavy, powerful surf. Too big for beginners—this is expert territory.

As we move into the second week, around Saturday September 5th and Sunday September 6th, we’ve got another SSW pulse pushing 6 ft to 7 ft, but the period drops a bit to 14 seconds. Still clean enough, but not as refined. The wind stays offshore or cross-off, so the surface should be good. The energy values stay solid, around 1300 to 1600, so there’s plenty of push.

The last few days from around Wednesday September 9th into the weekend of September 12th and 13th hold some promise. We see a return to longer-period 16-second swell, with heights around 6 ft to 6 ft. The wind is mostly offshore from the ESE to SE, and the energy numbers climb back up near 2000. Another good window, but less certain being further out.

Overall, this is a solid, consistent 16-day run. There are no big gaps of flatness—just a steady stream of swell. The best advice? Hit Saturday morning the 29th, or the Tuesday the 1st of September for the biggest, most powerful waves. For those who want a bit less size, the mornings around 4 ft to 5 ft with offshore wind are still really clean and fun.

If the swell gets over 8 ft at any point, that’s expert-only. We’re topping out around 7 ft on the Tuesday morning, so it’s big but not insane. The long-period swells (over 15 seconds) mean the waves will have real shape and power, but at a reef and point like Racetrack, that’s pure gold.

Stay sharp, watch for the sets, and don’t be late.

Rusty.

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