Salamumu Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk about Salamumu. It’s a reef setup, exposed, and it’s been a tough few days already. We’re looking at a classic case of waiting for the wind gods to get on our side. For the next week and a half, it’s going to be a grind, but there is a couple of sessions at the end that make it all worth it.

Right now, starting from Monday, August 31st afternoon, through to Wednesday, September 9th, it’s pretty much a write-off. We’ve got a consistent Southern swell running, but the wind is locked in from the ESE, blowing cross-onshore at 15 to 25 mph. That’s just wrecking the surface. Swell heights are bouncing between 2 ft and 6 ft, with periods of 12 to 16 seconds, so there’s some decent groundswell energy in the water – the combined energy is strong, ranging from just under 300 up to nearly 2700. But it’s all messy, lumpy, and choppy. No points for that. The water temp is 81°, which is pretty average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

There’s a tiny flicker on Thursday, September 3rd, but the cross-onshore wind is still too strong. Friday, September 4th, we see the swell start to jump, hitting up to 6 ft with a 16-second period, and the energy is massive at 2225, but again, the wind is ruining it. The whole first week is a no-go.

Now, the real story here is the end of the run. On Friday, September 11th, the wind finally switches. We get a cross-offshore breeze from the ENE at 12 mph, and the surf cleans up. It’s not perfect – the swell is only 3 ft and a bit weak on energy (420) – but it’s a start.

Then, hold onto your board. Saturday, September 12th, we get offshore winds from the NNE at 16 mph, and the swell is a long-period 20-second groundswell from the SW. That’s a recipe for some real quality. The combined energy is 607, which is moderate, but the clean conditions make it all count.

But the absolute standout, the one you’ve been waiting for, is Sunday, September 13th. The morning starts with a light offshore breeze from the NNE, then the afternoon goes completely glassy – calm, zero wind. The swell is 4 ft to 4 ft from the SW with a 17-second period, and the energy is just over 1000. That’s excellent. This is the day for experienced surfers to get out there. The water will be clean, the waves will have power, and with those long periods, the reef at Salamumu will handle it beautifully.

Monday, September 14th, the swell jumps again, hitting 7 ft from the S with a 13-second period and a massive 3186 energy. But the wind goes cross-onshore from the SSE, turning it into a lumpy mess. That’s one for the experts only, and even then, it’s marginal. After that, it fades back into mediocrity.

So, the clear call is Sunday, September 13th. Get in the water early or in that afternoon glass-off. That’s the one that’s going to stick with you.

Rusty.

Read more