Tandjung-Lefts Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's coming our way.

We’re looking at a long stretch of surf at Tandjung-Lefts, but I gotta be straight with you – the wind is pretty much always gonna be messing things up. The whole 16-day window is plagued by cross-onshore breezes, which means most of the time the waves are going to be choppy and a bit of a struggle. The water's sitting at 80°, pretty average for this time of year with only a slight 0.5° anomaly, so no surprises there.

The first real action is this morning, Tuesday the 8th of September. We've got a solid SSW groundswell running, about 5 ft with a long 19-second period – that’s some serious energy moving through, rated at 2582. The wind is cross-on from the SE at 9 mph, so it’s a bit bumpy and not the cleanest you'll ever see here. This is an advanced reef break, and with that kind of period, it’s going to be walled-up and powerful but the chop will make it tricky. This isn't the standout session.

The swell hangs around into Wednesday the 9th, with the height bumping up to 8 ft in the morning from the SSW, still with that long 16-second period. The energy is strong at 2845. The wind stays cross-on, but by the afternoon it shifts to a straight cross-shore, which takes a bit of the chop off the face – it's still not glassy, but it’s the cleanest it’s going to get in the first week. That Wednesday afternoon is about as good as it gets before the wind turns ugly again. From Thursday through the weekend, it’s a constant battle with moderate cross-onshore winds, making the 6 ft to 7 ft surf mostly choppy and unappealing.

We hit a bit of a lull around the 12th and 13th where the scores drop to zero. The swell drops to 4 ft with a short 14-second period, and the wind is just ruining it.

Next week isn't much better. From Monday the 14th through the end of the week, it's the same story – consistent SSW swell between 5 ft and 6 ft, but that stubborn SE to ESE cross-onshore wind just won't let up. The wave energy is moderate at best, dipping below 1000 at times. Honestly, it’s looking pretty ordinary for a paddle session; if you’re into kiting, the consistent wind and swell might be more your game.

The only glimmer of hope – and I mean the real standout – comes right at the end of the forecast. On Tuesday the 22nd of September, we see the biggest pulse of the whole run. Swell jumps to 7 ft in the morning and 7 ft in the afternoon from the SSW, with period holding at 17 and 16 seconds. The combined energy skyrockets to 3351 – that’s a serious amount of power. The wind is still cross-on, which is a damn shame, but if you’re an advanced surfer comfortable with a heavy, powerful reef, this is the day to circle. It’s too big for beginners, and the crowds at Tandjung-Lefts can sometimes be a factor, so be ready for that.

That day, the 22nd, is the best on offer. Everything else is just a lesson in dealing with chop. Keep an eye on the forecast for the 22nd – it’s got the most potential even if the wind isn’t perfect.

Rusty.

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