Sakawa River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what we’ve got on offer for the Sakawa River over the next couple of weeks.

It’s a slow start, with the first few days looking pretty ordinary. We’ve got a small swell hanging around but nothing worth paddling out for until a bigger pulse of energy arrives. The real standout window kicks off on Sunday the 20th of September, when a solid SSE groundswell builds in and conditions come together. That’s the pick of the month, and if you can wait, that’s the one to target.

Now, through the details:

The first surfable day comes Monday afternoon, the 14th of September, but it’s a poor one. We have a weak 2ft SE swell with a 10-second period, but a cross wind from the SW at 12 mph messes it up and the combined energy is low at 105. Not worth it.

Tuesday the 15th morning is slightly better – a clean 3ft SE swell with a 9-second period and a light cross-offshore wind at 6 mph. The surf is small and ordinary, but at least it’s clean. The afternoon takes a step back as the wind goes cross and the swell gets messy.

Wednesday the 16th through Thursday the 17th stay small and weak, with SE swell dropping to 2ft to 2ft and combined energy under 70. Clean conditions in the mornings, but there’s just not enough wave.

Friday the 18th afternoon brings the first hint of something bigger: a 4ft SE swell with a very long 19-second period, and combined energy jumps to 826. The wind is cross-off at 16 mph, keeping it clean. This is a groundswell – those long periods mean good shaped waves, but at a river mouth it might throw a bit too straight. Still, it’s a sign of what’s coming.

The main event is Saturday the 19th and especially Sunday the 20th of September. Saturday morning sees a solid 8ft SE swell, 13-second period, and combined energy of 1963. Wind is cross-off at 12 mph, and it’s clean. The swell is big – over 8ft – so this is for experienced surfers only. Saturday afternoon stays similar at 8ft and 1914 energy.

Sunday the 20th morning is the absolute standout: a 8ft SSE groundswell with a 13-second period, combined energy of 2398, and light cross-off wind from the NE at just 6 mph. That’s glassy, clean, and powerful. The water temperature is sitting at a warm 81°, which is normal for September. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers, and the river mouth setup should handle that long period better than a beach break. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

Sunday afternoon drops off a bit, and Monday the 21st through Tuesday the 22nd morning still hold decent 7ft to 8ft S swell, but winds build and the quality slips.

Tuesday the 22nd afternoon is a monster, but it’s a warning: a 23ft S swell with a 15-second period, and combined energy is a massive 23510. That’s way too big for this break – only for the absolute madmen, and honestly, probably not safe.

The rest of the week from Wednesday the 23rd onwards fades fast. Swell drops back under 5ft, winds stay messy or offshore, but the energy is weak. There’s a small flash on Saturday the 26th morning with a glassy 2ft SSE swell – clean, but tiny. After that, it’s flat through to the end of September.

Bottom line: Hold out for Sunday morning the 20th of September at Sakawa River. That SSE swell with clean winds is the one. It’s big, so leave the beginners at home. The second week is quiet and hardly worth a mention.

Rusty.

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