Tandjung-Lefts Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’ll be straight with you – the next sixteen days aren’t exactly shaping up to be a classic run for Tandjung-Lefts. The whole period is plagued by cross-onshore winds, which is a real shame because there’s plenty of consistent, long-period groundswell trying to push through. This is an advanced reef break, and while the swell direction from the south-southwest is a solid match for what the spot likes, that wind just keeps the surface messy. For a spot that’s fairly exposed and consistent, it’s a frustrating setup. The water’s sitting at 80°F, which is about average for this time of year – nothing wild there.

The best of what’s on offer starts to peek through on the 8th of September, the Tuesday. You’ve got a clean 6ft swell, direction south-southwest, with a very long period of 18 seconds. That’s proper groundswell energy, and the combined energy is pumping at 2943 (moderate to strong). The winds are still cross-onshore but only a gentle breeze at 9 mph, so while it’s not glassy, it’s the cleanest it’s going to get in this run. That afternoon is your standout window – the most energy and the least wind chop. Just be aware, with that long period, it might wall up a bit on this reef setup, but for an advanced surfer, that’s the ticket.

A few days later, on the 9th of September (Wednesday morning), you’ve got a slightly bigger 7ft swell, same south-southwest direction, period dipping to 16 seconds. Combined energy is still solid at 2533. But the wind is still cross-onshore and the surf quality is still listed as marginal. It’s big, it’s powerful, but it’s still a bit lumpy. That 7ft is getting up there – experts only territory, no question.

The thing is, for the first week, from 1st of September right through to the 7th, it’s pretty poor. You’re looking at scores of zero most days, with choppy, cross-onshore wind and messy conditions. There’s a glimmer on the 5th and 6th of September with some 6ft swell and a score of 1, but the wind’s just too ugly to get excited about. Honestly, it’s a write-off.

Then from the 12th of September onwards, the swell drops right off. Heights slip under 5ft, the period shortens, and the combined energy goes below 1100 (weak to moderate). The wind stays stubbornly cross-onshore, and the ratings fall back to zero. The last few days, the 15th and 16th of September, show a little bump back to 6ft, but it’s nothing special – just marginal, with the same old wind ruining the party.

So, if you’re hanging out for one session, make it the afternoon of the 8th of September. That’s the one true standout. For the rest, you’re mostly looking at choppy, cross-onshore slop or not enough swell. The crowds here are listed as “sometimes,” so you might have company on that Tuesday arvo, but with conditions like that, I reckon it’ll be a quiet crew. Keep the board waxed and hope the wind shifts.

Rusty.

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