Tandjungs-Rights Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s be straight: this 16-day outlook for Tandjung-Rights is not a pretty picture. This is a top-tier reef break that’s known for consistency and handles a solid SSW swell, but the wind just won’t play nice. The whole stretch is plagued by persistent cross-onshore breezes, which means the surface is going to be bumpy and choppy more often than not. We’re looking at a solid run of swell, but the quality is repeatedly let down by the conditions. There’s a gap of several days with no real recommendations right through the first week, and then it’s only spotty at best.

Starting off Saturday, 22 August, Tandjung-Rights is pumping – we’ve got a 7ft SSW groundswell rolling in with a 16-second period, packing strong energy (2134). But that ESE wind is 12 mph and onshore, so it’s messy and tricky. The wave comment says it’s marginal, and that’s fair. It’s the same story through Sunday and Monday: plenty of swell (6ft to 6ft, still solid energy around 1500–2100), but the cross-onshore wind keeps it chopped up. Tuesday, 25 August, the swell drops to 5ft and the wind picks up to 16 mph – poor surf conditions, and the score reflects it. That run of poor surf carries through Wednesday and Thursday morning, with the energy fading too. You’d be better off doing something else.

Things don’t really improve much into the second week. Friday, 28 August, brings a spike: 8ft SSW groundswell at 16 seconds, giving very strong energy (3065). That’s a big, powerful wave – but it’s still wind-affected and looks marginal due to tide issues. It’s big enough that it’s only for experienced surfers; beginners should stay well clear. The next day, 29 August, drops back to 6ft but the wind is still cross-onshore and the call is poor surf again.

Around 30 August, there’s a slight shift with a 7ft SSE swell, but the period is only 10 seconds – shorter period, less shape. Still cross-onshore. Into September, the first couple of days offer hope with a 6ft to 7ft swell coming from the SSW, but the period jumps to 17–19 seconds, which is long-period groundswell. At a reef break like Tandjung-Rights, that long period is a good thing – it’ll wrap nicely and give some real power. But again, the wind is cross-onshore. The best chance you get across the whole outlook is on Saturday, 5 September, when the wind swings cross-shore and drops to a light breeze. We’ve got 5ft SSW swell (14 seconds, moderate energy at 1349) and it’s described as “gentle cross-shore with slight cross-chop.” That’s the pick of the bunch – still not perfect, but the most ridable session. Sunday, 6 September looks similar with lighter wind and similar sized swell, but it’s not a standout.

Water temp is about average for this time of year.

Overall, it’s a frustrating outlook. The swell is there – often good size and solid period – but the cross-onshore wind ruins the party. Tandjung-Rights is a world-class wave when it’s clean, but for this stretch, you’ll have to be patient and pick those rare windows.

Stay salty.
Rusty

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