Shipwrecks (Nusa Lembongan) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, and I’ve got the lowdown on the next couple of weeks for your local waters. This is a solid outlook, but you’ve got to play the waiting game.

The pattern kicks off with a strong pulse of groundswell but some tricky wind conditions. The water is sitting at a comfortable 81°F, which is about average for this time of year, so no dramas there.

We’re looking at a setup that starts clean and punchy but then gets a bit tricky before turning into something special for the experienced crew. The standout window is definitely the second week.

First up, Tuesday the 1st of September through Thursday the 3rd, we’ve got moderate energy (1682 combined energy) and clean, offshore winds. Swell is coming from the SSW at 6ft with a juicy 18-second period. This is proper groundswell – long lines, lots of energy between sets, and that deep water feel. It’s a 6ft wave though, so it’s pushing the limits for beginners. The wind is a steady 25 km/h from the SE, so it’s blowing offshore and keeping things clean at Shipwrecks (Nusa Lembongan). This spot is a sheltered, consistent reef that likes the SW, and it’s handling this swell really well. Just a heads up, it’s an advanced wave, and crowds are possible here.

From Friday the 4th through to Monday the 7th, things get a bit mediocre. The swell drops a little, and the wind swings to a cross-offshore direction at 12-15 mph. The wave quality takes a hit – it’s not the classic clean glass, but still surfable. The combined energy drops to around 500-1000, which is weak to moderate. The period also drops to about 14 seconds, so the shape won't be as good. Not a write-off, but not the best of the run.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Tuesday the 8th of September is the real standout. The swell jumps to 8ft from the SSW, with a very long 19-second period. The combined energy is massive at 3663, which is strong wave energy. The wind is a light 9 mph cross-offshore from the SSE. This is serious groundswell, the kind that makes reefs and points fire. For Shipwrecks, this is an expert-only zone – at 8ft, it’s big, powerful, and not for the faint-hearted. The conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is the session to circle on your calendar, but remember, it’s a promise for the future, so keep an eye on it.

The days following that, from the 9th to the 11th of September, hold excellent to very good conditions. The swell sits around 6ft to 7ft, with periods of 15-16 seconds and light cross-offshore winds. The energy is solid (around 1374-2347). It’s still big for beginners (over 5ft), so the advanced crew will be in their element.

We then taper off a bit from the 12th to the 14th of September. The swell drops to 4ft to 4ft, and while the period stays good (14-18 seconds), the cross-offshore wind keeps it clean but not as powerful. It’s a good option for a medium-day surf, but not the highlight.

The tail end of the outlook, from the 15th and 16th of September, picks up again. We get another push of 5ft to 5ft SSW swell with a 15-16 second period, and light winds. Combined energy is up around 969-1225. This is a consistent, fun end to the run.

Overall, the best bet is the big pulse on Tuesday the 8th of September. For the rest of the time, there’s plenty of surf to be had, but nothing else hits that peak. Keep your wetsuit warm.

Rusty.

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