Dunedin - St Clair Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of surf on the cards for Dunedin’s St Clair, but it’s a story of two halves: a cracking few days early on, then a bit of a lull before some promise returns late in the fortnight.

The standout window hits straight away. Wednesday morning, 2nd September, sees a solid 7ft south swell rolling in with a 13-second period. That’s a decent groundswell, packing moderate to strong wave energy (1555). The wind is a gentle offshore from the NNW, keeping it clean. This is proper St Clair, but at that size it’s leaning towards the bigger end – more for experienced crew. The swell direction is dead on the optimum south. It’s a ripper start.

Wednesday afternoon drops a bit to 6ft south swell, 12 seconds, still clean with a light cross-offshore breeze. Very good, but not quite the peak of the morning. Then Thursday morning, 3rd September, we’re down to 3ft south swell, 10 seconds, clean again with light cross-off winds. Fun, smaller waves. By Thursday afternoon it’s 2ft but from the SSW with a very long 15-second period, clean. That long period will wrap nicely around the point, but expect longer waits between sets.

Now, a heads up on the water temps: it’s about average for this time of year, nothing weird.

Friday 4th September is a write-off. Strong winds – 19 to 22 mph from the west and WSW – are going to mess things up. Small, messy surf. Saturday 5th September morning is still small and a bit wind-affected, but Saturday afternoon the wind goes glassy. That 3ft SSW swell jumps to a very long 17-second period with moderate energy (611). That’s a clean, waiting-wave sesh, perfect for the point.

Sunday 6th September keeps it clean with a 3ft SSW swell, 17 seconds, and light offshore breezes in the morning. Consistent, easy paddling. That’s a good, relaxed day. Monday 7th September gets lumpy and big – 8ft south swell with an 8-second period and strong cross-onshore winds. That’s a choppy mess, only for the hardcore if anyone’s mad enough. Tuesday 8th September is small and ordinary.

We then have a few days of small-to-mediocre surf through to Thursday 10th September. But keep an eye on Friday 11th September. Morning looks solid: 3ft south swell with a very long 18-second period, light cross-offshore winds, clean, and strong wave energy (678). That’s a quality groundswell round. The point will fire, but expect those long lulls. Saturday 12th September afternoon offers a tiny 2ft SSW swell, 15 seconds, but glassy conditions – a rare clean little window if you’re desperate.

From Sunday 13th September onwards, it’s all small and marginal with periods of strong winds. The standout in the second week is that Friday 11th September morning – it’s the best of the later run, but remember it’s over a week away, so keep an eye on it. Crowds at St Clair are possible, especially on the good days, but nothing crazy.

Overall, grab Wednesday morning 2nd September or Saturday afternoon 5th September for the best of the first week. The second week’s best bet is Friday 11th September morning.

Rusty.

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