Stela Maris Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming our way for the next couple of weeks. Honestly, it’s gonna be a tough stretch if you’re looking for a proper surf. The swell hangs around most days, but the quality just isn’t there. We’ve got a bunch of days with poor surf conditions flagged, so we need to be patient.

The first real glimmer of hope comes in the second week, but even then it’s a mixed bag. Let’s break it down day by day.

Starting off Monday, September 7th, through the weekend of the 12th and into the following week, it’s pretty bleak. Swell heights bob between 2ft and 5ft, mostly from the ESE, but the wind is a constant problem. It’s cross-onshore or onshore from the E or ESE, at 9 to 16 mph, leaving the surface choppy and messy. The combined energy is mostly moderate, with values like 165 all the way up to 505 on Thursday the 10th morning, but that energy is wasted with the wind. The period hangs around 7 to 8 seconds – short-period windswell stuff, no grunt.

Things stay the same through to about Tuesday, September 15th. Still poor. There’s a slight shift on the Tuesday afternoon, when the swell period jumps to 13 seconds from the S with 2ft, but the energy jumps up to 291 and the wind is still onshore. That’s a tease – a bit of groundswell flare but no clean canvas to paint on.

Wednesday, September 16th, is where it gets interesting, but you’ll need to be an expert. The swell bumps up a touch, 4ft to 4ft, from the SSE, with a solid 12-second period. The combined energy is strong – 450 in the morning, then 537 in the afternoon. That’s serious power for this spot. But again, wind is onshore from the E. The waves will be there, fat and lined up, but the surface will be bumpy. Only for the experienced crew who can handle a bit of chop.

The rest of that week, September 17th through the 22nd, is more of the same: knee-to-waist high SSE or ESE swell with a period mostly around 7 to 12 seconds, energy dropping a bit, and wind always from the east or southeast, blowing onshore. The morning of the 22nd has rain showers and 12 mph wind. Nothing to get excited about.

The real standout – if you can call it that – is Wednesday, September 16th, at Stela Maris. It’s the biggest energy of the whole run, with that 12-second SSE groundswell. But don’t think it’ll be glassy. It’s a beach-and-reef setup that’s exposed, and with the wind holding onshore, expect lumps and bumps. The crowds at Stela Maris are described as “often” busy, so expect company. The swell size is in the 4ft to 4ft range, so it’s doable for strong intermediates if you’re keen, but the chop will test you.

The water is sitting at 80°F, which is about 2°F warmer than usual for this time of year – a nice little anomaly that keeps things pleasant between sets.

So, to wrap it up: the first week-and-a-bit is a write-off. The second week brings a touch more life, but it’s not clean surf. If you’re desperate and you’ve got the skill, Wednesday the 16th is the best on offer, but it’s far from perfect.

Rusty.

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