Sixtynine Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you: the next two weeks are a bit of a flat spell for this stretch of coast. We’re looking at a long stretch of small, weak energy and generally poor surf quality. It’s going to be a test of patience.

The water temp is sitting at about 82°F, which is just about average for this time of year, so at least the water feels normal when you’re out there floating around waiting for nothing.

We start off this Thursday morning, the 10th of September, with a tiny 1ft swell rolling in from the southwest, but with a very long period of 16 seconds. That’s a groundswell, but the combined energy is a weak 42. The wind is a light cross-off from the NNE, so conditions are clean, but the wave comment calls it poor surf conditions. Thursday afternoon goes glassy with the wind dropping to zero, but still just that 1ft of SW groundswell with an 18-second period. The energy is still weak (49). It’s clean as a whistle, but there’s just nothing to ride.

Friday the 11th is more of the same: 1ft SW swell in the morning, though the period drops to 10 seconds and the energy tanks to 14. The wind is a light cross-on from the NNW, so a little bumpy. The afternoon goes glassy again with a 9-second period and energy at 13. Still poor surf.

Saturday the 12th has a glimmer of hope in the afternoon. A 1ft swell from the SW with a 14-second period comes through, and the wind goes glassy. The energy is 36. Still small, but glassy conditions make it the most pleasant it’s been. The morning has zero swell.

Sunday the 13th through to the end of the first week is a real struggle. We’ve got days with no swell at all, or just tiny 0.7ft – 2ft slop with poor wind and low energy. The best of a bad bunch is Sunday afternoon: a 2ft swell from the NNE, but with a terrible 4-second period and energy of only 21. That’s just wind chop.

The second week doesn't bring much relief. We finally see a little pulse on Friday the 18th of September. The morning shows a 2ft SW swell with an 18-second period, and the combined energy finally breaks into three digits at 108. That’s moderate energy for the first time. Wind is a light cross-shore from the N. It’s still small, but that longer period groundswell has a bit more push. The afternoon fades again.

The standout for the whole period, and I mean the only real standout, is that Friday morning the 18th of September at Sixtynine. It’s a consistent break, rated for intermediates. The swell is a tiny 2ft from the SW, but with an 18-second period, it’s the most organised energy we’ll see. The combined energy (108) is the highest of the forecast. The wind is a light cross-shore, so it should be fairly clean. The crowds can be around sometimes, but on a day like this, you might have it quiet. That’s your best bet if you’re desperate for a paddle.

After that, it’s back to tiny glassy mornings and weak afternoons right through to the 25th. A lot of days with no swell and a lot of glassy conditions that will be beautiful to look at, but useless for surfing.

If you’re a kite surfer, there’s nothing here for you either, as the wind stays light throughout.

So, to sum it up: a very long, flat run. If you have to surf, circle Friday the 18th of September for the best (and really only) chance at a few long-period, clean lines, but keep your expectations on the floor. The forecasts can always change, but right now, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

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