72nd Place Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for our little patch of coast.

First off, I gotta be straight with you – the 16-day window we’ve got in front of us is a bit of a mixed bag, and it starts off pretty quiet. The water is sitting at a toasty 73°, which is a whopping 5° warmer than usual for this time of year. That’s seriously unusual, almost like we’re still in a summer holding pattern. But the surf? Not so much.

The first sign of life actually shows up on Sunday, the 6th of September. We’ve got a new southerly swell pushing in, around 5ft with a long 14-second period, carrying a solid moderate energy (1111). But the wind is light and offshore from the ESE, which is a major positive. It’s going to be clean. That’s the standout moment of this whole run. The swell is from the S, and the break really wants it from the SW, so it’s not a perfect match, but that clean, glassy morning will make it worth a look for the advanced crew. Just note, this spot is “inconsistent” and crowds are “sometimes” a thing, so don’t sleep on it if you want a quiet one.

The next day, Monday the 7th, the swell holds in the 6ft range with a 14-second period, and the energy is strong (1224). But the wind swings around to a light cross-onshore, putting a bit of texture on the face. It’s still a goer, but it won’t be as pristine as Sunday morning.

After that, the swell starts to drop and the wind gets messy. From Tuesday the 8th through the end of the first week, we’re looking at poor to marginal conditions. The swell drops from 5ft down to 3ft, the period shortens up, and the wind is stuck in a cross-onshore groove. The energy drops from moderate (814) to weak (494). It’s a long stretch of choppy, bumpy surf.

The second week is a real snooze-fest. From the 10th of September right through to the 19th, the swell is tiny, mostly under 3ft, and the wind is often onshore or cross-onshore. The energy values are mostly weak, in the 100s and 200s. There’s a brief flicker on the 14th with a 4ft swell from the W, but the period is a short 7 seconds, so it’s just a fat, gutless bump. The whole second week is a write-off for decent paddle surfing.

The only other thing worth mentioning is Saturday the 19th. The swell builds back to 3ft from the SW with a long 18-second period, and the wind goes light and cross-shore. The energy is moderate (418). It’s a marginal call, but if you’re desperate, the afternoon might have a clean-ish wave.

So, to wrap it up: the best bet is Sunday morning, the 6th of September. Get on it early. The rest of the window is mostly a waiting game, or maybe a good time to check the gear.

Rusty.

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