Shipwrecks Bay-Peaks Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about what’s cooking.

We’ve got one spot on the menu for the next couple of weeks, and it’s a big one. Shipwrecks Bay-Peaks is a reef setup, and it’s holding a serious amount of energy. This is not a beginner wave, so leave the soft-tops at home. We’re looking at a proper run of groundswell, all coming from the southwest, which is exactly what this place loves.

The water temp is sitting at 59°, right on the money for this time of year, so nothing weird going on there.

The surf kicks off this Saturday, September 12th, with a solid 16ft southwest groundswell packing a huge 16-second period. The combined energy is massive, over the 12,000 mark (12055), so you’re looking at serious, heavy power. Saturday morning has a cross-off wind which keeps it rideable, but the real standout is Saturday afternoon when the wind swings offshore. That’s exceptional conditions for the crew who can handle it. Sunday the 13th keeps the same size and 17-second period, with cross-off winds all day. The energy stays above 12,000. That’s a heavy, long-period groundswell, so at a reef setup like this, the sets will be fat, powerful, and lined up. It’s an advanced-only zone.

Monday the 14th backs off a touch to 12ft, but the period stays long at 15 to 16 seconds. The combined energy drops to 6657. But here’s the kicker: the wind goes offshore and gentle. This is excellent, clean surf for experienced surfers, and it might be a little more manageable than the weekend.

Tuesday the 15th sees the swell drop to 8ft, with light breezes and clean conditions. The energy is down to 2944, so it’s still a fun, punchy wave. Good for the strong intermediates if they’re feeling brave.

We hit a bit of a lull mid-week. Wednesday the 16th drops to 5ft and gets glassy in the morning, which is about the smallest it gets. By Thursday and Friday, the wind turns nasty onshore, and the quality drops off. Thursday the 17th sees onshore winds and messy waves, and Friday the 18th has a risk of thunderstorms with choppy, cross-onshore junk. Not worth a paddle.

Saturday the 19th brings a fresh blast of 10ft swell, but it comes with 25 mph cross-off winds Saturday morning. It’s clean, but that wind is howling. It’s more of a windsurf session for the brave. Sunday the 20th cleans up properly with offshore S winds again and an 12ft swell. The energy jumps back to 6136, and the wind is a fresh offshore, making for some excellent, powerful waves for experienced riders.

The next week looks promising but with a smaller, choppier period mid-week. Monday the 21st stays around 10ft with fresh offshore winds. By Tuesday the 22nd we’re back to smaller, cleaner but less energetic surf. Wednesday the 23rd is messy with a cross-shore wind and a short 9-second period, but it cleans up in the afternoon with an offshore wind and a jump in size to 15ft.

Now, circling back for the real standout of the whole run: Thursday, September 24th. That morning you’ve got a 16ft southwest groundswell with a 17-second period. The combined energy is off the charts at 12806. And the wind? Offshore and moderate. The description calls it exceptional conditions for expert surfers. That is the day. Mark it. The afternoon stays excellent at 13ft, also clean.

Friday the 25th has some rain showers but light winds and a consistent 12ft swell, and Saturday the 26th sees a glassy start. The run fades out into Sunday the 27th with onshore winds turning it messy again.

Don’t even bother with the last day, it’s blown out.

Best on offer: The first weekend (Sep 12-13) is a big, raw groundswell for experts. But the true standout is Thursday, September 24th. That’s the day for the chargers.

This is Rusty, signing off.

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