Shipstern Bluff Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, mate. Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up.

Alright, the next couple of weeks are all about one place: Shipstern Bluff. This is a serious, advanced reef break, and it’s exposed to the deep south-west ocean swells. The water's about normal for the time of year, nothing wild there.

We start Tuesday, September 8th with a bit of a tease. A 4ft SSW swell is rolling in with an 18-second period, but the tide looks dodgy, and the cross-off wind is moderate. It’s clean enough for a paddle, but not the best. The energy is moderate (1448). Not a standout.

Wednesday, September 9th is where things get heavy. A massive 16ft SSW swell hits with a 19-second period – that's a very long period groundswell. The energy is insane (15808). However, the wind is a near gale cross-onshore, and it's raining. The swell is way too big for this break, even for pros. It's blown out. Thursday, September 10th is similar: 16ft SW swell, but the wind is a fresh cross-shore, creating a lumpy cross-chop. Still far too big.

By Friday, September 11th, the swell drops to 15ft and the wind is a gentle cross-shore, but the tide is still a problem. The energy is still very strong (13158). It’s just too much water moving around.

Then, look at Saturday, September 12th. The morning sees an 8ft SSW swell, but it’s the afternoon that’s the real gem. A 7ft SSW swell with a 16-second period, and the wind goes glassy – dead flat. The energy is moderate (2355). The forecast says it’s excellent for experienced surfers. That’s the standout window. Clean, glassy conditions at a break that rarely gets that calm. The crowd is rare, so you’ll have it to yourself.

Sunday, September 13th is a solid follow-up. A 6ft SSW swell with a moderate offshore wind from the NNW. Clean, lined-up waves for the experienced. The energy is moderate (1358). The afternoon is smaller but still clean.

After that, the week of the 14th and 15th drops off into much smaller, weak swells, then a messy, windy chunk of junk. The 18th Friday looks promising on paper with a 3ft SW swell and offshore wind, but it’s tiny.

The only other possible window is Tuesday, September 22nd. A 6ft SSW swell with a 16-second period and a moderate offshore wind from the NNW. The energy is moderate (1629). It’s forecast as excellent for experienced surfers, but it’s a long way out, so keep an eye on it.

Overall, the clear winner is the glassy afternoon on Saturday, September 12th at Shipstern Bluff. That’s the one you want to be in the water for.

Rusty.

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