72nd Place Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s have a look at what’s on offer. I’m gonna level with you: the next sixteen days are mostly a write-off, but there’s a tiny window that might just be worth a look if you’re desperate and local.

The first proper chance to paddle out comes later in the period. Before that, from now through the 24th of September, it’s mostly small, lumpy, and messy with onshore winds. Expect a long stretch of poor conditions with nothing to get excited about.

Alright, so let’s talk about 72nd Place. This break is sheltered, but it’s an advanced spot and inconsistent, so it doesn’t fire often. For the next two weeks, the swell is tiny – mostly around 1 ft to 3 ft – and comes from the southwest, which is the optimum direction for this place. The energy is moderate, you’re looking at readings between 170 and 521 (combined energy), so not much push. The water temp is 71° with a 2 anomaly, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a bit of a treat if you do get in.

The first hint of something almost surfable is on the morning of Thursday the 17th of September. The swell stays at 2 ft from the SSW, period of 16 seconds – that’s a long period groundswell, which means it’ll have some shape but the sets will be spaced out. The real win here is the wind: glassy and offshore from the WSW at 3 mph. That’s about as clean as it gets. It’s only rated as surfable but very ordinary, so don’t expect barrels. Still, if you’re keen, that morning window is the standout of the whole outlook. It’s not for beginners – the break is advanced, and the long period at a sheltered spot means the waves might bend around the reefs and points well.

After that, it’s back to poor conditions with onshore breezes. On Sunday the 20th and Monday the 21st of September, the swell lifts slightly to 3 ft–3 ft from the SW, period around 17–18 seconds, and the wind becomes light onshore or cross-onshore. The comments call it marginal – that’s for diehards only. The energy bumps up into the 470s (combined energy), but the wind just won’t clean it up.

If you’re not an expert, give this whole stretch a miss. The swell never tops 3 ft, so it’s never too big, but the inconsistency and constant cross-onshore wind mean it’s mostly a frustrating paddle. Honestly, Thursday morning the 17th is your one shot at a glassy, clean session. Don’t hold your breath for the rest.

- Rusty

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