Tandjung-Lefts Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, checking in with the outlook for Tandjung-Lefts. We’ve got a solid run of swell on the way, but it comes with a persistent side wind that’s gonna keep things from being truly perfect. Still, the consistency of the southern groundswell has me a little amped.

The overall pattern is dominated by a long-period, SSW groundswell that’s already pumping in on Sunday the 9th. The wave energy is substantial, with a combined energy reading of 2027, and it's carrying a deep 16-second period. It’s a classic reef break setup, so the long period will be an asset, not a problem. The downside is the wind: a cross-on ESE breeze at 12 mph, which is making for some choppy, poor surf conditions through the morning. The afternoon eases a bit to 9 mph, but it’s still cross-on and fairly choppy. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no nasty surprises there.

Monday the 10th sees the swell bump up. The morning is a clean 6 ft from the S with a wild 19-second period, but the cross-on wind chops it up again. The afternoon is the real standout of the whole forecast: a 10 ft SSW swell with an 18-second period and a massive combined energy of 4753. The wind is still cross-on at 12 mph, so it’s not glassy, but the sheer size and power are undeniable. This is a big, powerful wave – over 8 ft, so this is expert territory only. The cross-on wind will make the takeoff critical.

Tuesday the 11th keeps the size going with another 10 ft SSW swell, but the period drops slightly to 17 seconds in the morning and 16 seconds in the afternoon. The wind remains cross-on from the SE at 9-12 mph. The afternoon session has a slightly lighter breeze, making it “fairly choppy” rather than full-on choppy. Still, the combined energy is a staggering 5586 in the afternoon – that’s a lot of water moving around. If you’re a solid, confident surfer, this is where the power is at.

The rest of the first week, from Wednesday the 12th through Saturday the 15th, the swell stays in the 7 ft to 8 ft range, with periods between 15 and 17 seconds. The wind is a constant cross-on from the SE or SSE at 6 to 12 mph. The combined energy fluctuates between 1887 and 3428, which is still moderate to strong, but the conditions stay “marginal” and “choppy” or “fairly choppy.” It’s surfable, but you’ll be working for it.

The second week is a bit of a mixed bag. The swell drops a little, with heights ranging from 5 ft to 8 ft, and the periods shortening to 14-16 seconds. The wind is still cross-on from the SE or SSE. A brief moment of interest on Wednesday the 19th morning has the wind coming "on" from the ESE at 16 mph, with a 7 ft SSW swell and an 18-second period, but the conditions are rated as "poor" with a 0 score, so that’s a pass. The energy levels are lower, mostly in the 1000-2000 range.

The clear standout is the afternoon of Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th, where the size and power are at their peak. But don’t go expecting clean, groomed waves – that cross-on wind is a constant companion. For a reef break like this, the long period is a positive, but the wind will keep it challenging. Given the persistent cross-on wind, some might even say this setup looks more interesting for a kite session than a paddle session when the wind is up.

Stay safe out there, and don’t be afraid to wait for a lull in the breeze.

- Rusty

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