Sandtracks Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, it's Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the table for the next couple of weeks.

Overall, it's a pretty average run for Sandtracks (reef). The water's sitting at 27°, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so no dramas there. The biggest issue is that for the first week and a half, the wind is just not cooperating. It's mostly a cross or strong cross-shore breeze, smashing up what could be half-decent waves. The best of the action is tucked away right at the end of the forecast.

We kick off with a slow start. Tuesday the 18th has a small 3ft swell from the south with a short period, but the cross-shore wind is 12 mph, so it's a write-off. Wednesday the 19th is much the same with tiny 2ft waves. Thursday the 20th afternoon is the first flicker of hope – the swell drops to 2ft from the southwest, but the wind goes glassy. That's clean, but it’s tiny. The combined energy is moderate (399). Friday the 21st has a bit more size at 3ft, but the wind is onshore, so it's a no-go.

Then we hit a big stretch of poor conditions. From Saturday the 22nd right through to Monday the 31st, the wind is blowing fresh to strong from the east-northeast, creating lumpy, messy cross-chop. The swell builds from 6ft on the 23rd up to 10ft on the 30th, but the period is short, swinging between 7 and 9 seconds. The combined energy gets strong, hitting 1,574 on the 30th, but it's all messy. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle-surfing one.

The real standout is the afternoon of Wednesday the 2nd of September. The swell is 6ft from the south, with a period of 10 seconds, and the wind goes glassy. The combined energy is strong (1,504). The break is a reef, so that long-period groundswell is going to wrap in nicely, offering clean, well-shaped waves. The optimum swell direction is from the SSE, and we're getting a south swell, which is close enough to work well. It's a bit inconsistent, but when it comes, it'll be good. Crowds are often an issue at Sandtracks, so be prepared for a few out there. The wave conditions are excellent for experienced surfers, but at 6ft, intermediate surfers could also have a crack.

The morning of the 2nd is also worth a look with 6ft from the SSW and a light onshore breeze, but it’s not as clean. Still, it's a solid option.

So, to wrap it up: the entire first week is a washout. The best surf is on Wednesday the 2nd of September, especially the afternoon session with glassy conditions. Get out there for that.

Rusty

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