Shelley Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the surf over the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start, to be honest. The first few days offer only small, clean waves, but nothing to get excited about. The real energy builds later on, but it comes with a big caveat.

The Next Few Days (Now through to early next week)

The first real window of decent surf hits on Friday, September 4th. Shelley Beach (exposed, and it’s a consistent break) is looking at a solid pickup. We’re expecting a 3ft south swell, with long 10-second periods, and the wind is dead calm – glassy conditions. It’ll be clean, and the water is a comfortable 65°, which is pretty normal for this time of year. With a combined swell energy of 201 (moderate), it’s a good little session. Watch out for the crowds though, it can get busy here sometimes.

The Big Swell (Second Week – Possibly Too Much)

Now, for the next week, things get interesting but also a bit dangerous. From Wednesday, September 9th afternoon, the swell starts to build fast. By Thursday, September 10th, we’re looking at a 10ft south swell with 11-second periods, and winds are offshore from the NNW. The combined energy jumps to a massive 2476 (strong to very strong). This is big, powerful surf. The swell is predicted to be too big for this break, and honestly, at over 8ft, this is only for experts. The offshore wind will keep it clean, but it’s a serious ocean out there.

This continues into Friday, September 11th with a 10ft SSE swell at 13 seconds (very long period groundswell) and energy at 3399. Again, a clean, powerful, and very big swell. The long period will make the waves shape up well, but it’s still a beast. Saturday, September 12th sees the peak, with a 12ft south swell and energy hitting 4485, but the wind swings cross-shore and then cross-onshore, making it messy. Avoid.

The Wrap-Up (Second Week)

After that big pulse, things settle down. Sunday, September 13th is still lumpy with a dropping 6ft swell, but the wind is messy. Monday, September 14th offers a small 4ft ESE swell, but the wind is cross-onshore. Tuesday, September 15th morning is the pick of the later period: a clean 3ft south swell with light cross-offshore winds, but it’s only a brief window. The rest of that week is a mix of marginal and poor conditions.

Best Bet:
If you’re an expert, Thursday, September 10th at Shelley Beach is the standout – but it’s only for the brave. For the average punter, Friday, September 4th morning is your best bet for a clean, fun, and manageable wave.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty

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