Saltwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Saltwater over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag, but there are a couple of windows worth paddling out for.

First up, the standout: Thursday, 17 September. The water temp is sitting at 68°, which is pretty average for this time of year – nothing unusual there. But the surf? Mate, that’s the session. Thursday morning brings a solid 12ft swell from the S, period around 11 seconds, and a fresh offshore breeze from the SW at 12 mph. That’s clean, powerful, and pumping. The combined swell energy is strong at 4312. This is groundswell territory, and with that period, it’s going to wrap nicely around the point at Saltwater. This one’s for experienced surfers only – 12ft is gnarly, and beginners should sit this one out. Thursday afternoon holds up too, with 10ft from the S, moderate offshore wind, and energy at 3111. Still excellent.

Before that, Wednesday 16 September is a warm-up but a bit marginal. Morning has 10ft from the S with a fresh 19 mph offshore, but the combined energy is 1977 – solid – and it’s clean. Still, those conditions are described as questionable for tide, so it’s more of a look-see than a go-to. Afternoon is similar but with 12ft.

Friday 18 September offers a total change. Morning is glassy with no wind, and the swell drops to 6ft from the SSE, period 9 seconds. Energy is 455 – moderate – and it’s clean. That’s a nice, more manageable size, and glassy conditions make it a gem for surfers wanting a mellow session. Afternoon gets a cross-onshore wind and becomes choppy, so get it early.

Saturday 19 September starts clean again, with 5ft from the SSW, light offshore from the WSW at 6 mph, and energy at 642. That’s a fun, user-friendly morning. The swell direction is a good match for the optimum SE. Afternoon goes cross-shore and becomes a bit ordinary.

Sunday 20 September is small and weak. Morning has 3ft from the S, glassy, but energy is only 181. Not much punch – better for a longboard if you’re keen. Afternoon gets onshore and is poor.

Monday 21 September is tiny: 1ft from the SSE with a 16-second period, glassy morning – that’s a long period for such a small wave, so it’ll be pretty gutless. Not worth a paddle.

Tuesday 22 September picks up a bit. Morning has 5ft from the SSE, period 8 seconds, with a gentle offshore from the SW at 9 mph, energy at 429. Clean and rideable. Afternoon goes cross-off and drops off.

Then we hit a long gap. From Wednesday 23 September all the way to Wednesday 30 September, the conditions turn poor. Lots of onshore winds, small swell, and weak energy. Most days have combined energy under 400, and many are under 200. A few mornings are glassy, like on 30 September, but with only 3ft from the ENE and energy at 140, it’s barely surfable. This is a blank stretch – best to wait it out.

Then, a promising late-season shout: Thursday 1 October. Morning brings 5ft from the NE, period 9 seconds, a light cross-off breeze from the SSE at 6 mph, and combined energy of 541 – moderate but solid. Conditions are described as very good, and it’s clean. That one’s a bit of a long-range promise, but worth marking on the calendar. Keep an eye on it.

So, the best bet is Thursday 17 September for the experienced crew, with Friday morning 18 September and Saturday morning 19 September as solid secondary options for a more relaxed vibe. After that, it’s slim pickings until early October.

Rusty.

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