Tandjung-Lefts Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Let's be straight with you: this stretch out of Tandjung-Lefts is a proper test of patience. The whole window is dominated by a consistent cross-onshore wind that's going to keep the surface messy and the tide windows questionable. This is an advanced reef set-up, so the crowd factor is sometimes a consideration, but honestly, with these conditions, the hassle might be more from the chop than the lineup.

We kick off on Monday the 17th with a 5 ft SSW swell, but the period is a short 14 seconds and the cross-onshore is already chopping things up. The water is sitting at a normal 80°, nothing unusual there. The combined energy is moderate at 800, but don't get excited—the wind and tide are working against it.

Tuesday the 18th sees the swell bump up to 6 ft, and the period stretches to a much better 16 seconds (moderate groundswell), which should bring more energy—combined energy jumps to 1925. But the wind picks up to 12 mph from the ESE, making it choppier. This is still in the marginal category.

The standout arrives Wednesday the 19th. Morning sees 7 ft SSW swell with a lovely 18-second period—that's a long period groundswell, packing punch and shape. The combined energy hits a strong 3075. This is the biggest, cleanest-looking window, even with the persistent cross-onshore. It's advanced territory: 7 ft is over the 5 ft mark, so leave the beginners on the beach. The long period means it'll reel off nicely on the reef, but paddling out between sets will be easier with those longer gaps. Afternoon pushes to 8 ft with 17 seconds and energy of 3561—still the best on offer. But the wind stays cross-onshore.

Thursday the 20th keeps the size around 8 ft to 8 ft, still with that 16-second SSW groundswell, but the wind remains stubborn. After that, the quality drops. Friday the 21st morning is a write-off with poor conditions and zero score. The swell dips to 5 ft but the wind is up to 16 mph. Not worth it.

The rest of the run into late August stays marginal. There's a brief uptick on Sunday the 30th and Monday the 31st: 5 ft to 6 ft SW swell, 18-16 second periods, and lighter winds around 6-9 mph, which is the closest we get to clean. The combined energy sits between 1321 and 1968—solid moderate. Crowds are sometimes a factor at this spot, and if it cleans up a bit, the reef should handle that long-period SW swell nicely. This is your second-best window, but it's two weeks out, so treat it as promising but not locked in.

By Tuesday the 1st of September, the swell settles back to 5 ft and the wind is up again. The whole 16-day run is a tough one—mostly marginal, cross-onshore wind, and tide issues. There are no picture-perfect days, but if you're keen and advanced, focus on Wednesday the 19th for the biggest, most powerful swell, and keep an eye on that last weekend of August for the lightest breezes.

Stay patient. This is a spot that delivers when the stars align—just not this time.

Rusty.

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