Steamer Lane-The Slot Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks.

We’re starting off quiet, but the long-range stuff is flashing a bit of promise. The first few days are a write-off for any decent waves, so don’t bother paddling out until we get further into the forecast. The real standout looks to be on Sunday the 9th at Steamer Lane-The Slot. That’s got a bit of grunt building with a 7ft W groundswell from the WNW, and the energy is going to be slamming in with a combined swell energy reading of 1298. That’s moderate to strong energy, and it’s a proper reef break, so it’ll handle that size beautifully. The period is 9 seconds, which is a bit short, but the wind is offshore and light, almost glassy, so it’ll be clean. The water temp is sitting at 59°F with a 0.5°F anomaly, so pretty much bang on average for the time of year. This is a spot for experienced surfers, not one for beginners – that 7ft on a reef is serious. Also, crowds are often an issue here, so be prepared for a few others thinking the same thing.

As for the rest of the window, it’s a bit of a struggle. The week after the 9th, from the 10th to the 18th, we’re looking at a lot of marginal surf. The swells drop back to 3ft or less, mostly from the SSW, and the wind is often cross-on or onshore, which won’t do the waves any favours. There’s a handful of mornings with a score of 2 out of 10, like on Tuesday the 15th with a 3ft SSW swell at 16 seconds, but that’s a long-period groundswell that can be a bit straight on the beach break, and the wind is just onshore. It’s not a clean call. The last few days of the forecast, around the 16th to the 18th, are just poor or marginal at best, with small swell and cross-on winds. Nothing to get excited about.

So, the short version: hold out for that Sunday the 9th. That’s your best shot. The rest is a waiting game.

Rusty.

Read more