Tankers Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking at Tankers over the next couple of weeks.

First thing, the water temp is sitting at 81°F with an anomaly of 0.5°F, so pretty much what you’d expect for this time of year. That’s nice for long sessions.

Honestly, the start of this forecast is a bit of a flat spell. There’s nothing worth paddling out for from the 11th of September through the 14th of September. The swell is tiny, mostly around 1.0ft to 2ft. The winds are cross-off or cross, but the wave energy is weak at best (combined energy values between 132 and 403). You’re looking at marginal surf or poor conditions. It’s a real slow start, so maybe save the wax for later.

The first sign of life shows up on the morning of Tuesday, 15th September. That’s your first standout window. Swell picks up to 3ft from the SW, with a long period of 20 seconds. That’s proper groundswell energy – combined energy hits 620 (moderate). Winds are light and cross-off from the ENE at 6 mph, so it’ll be clean. A 20-second period like that will wrap in nicely at a reef setup like Tankers. Sets will be a bit more spaced, but the paddling out will be easier, and the waves should have decent shape for a reef break. This is the best call in the first week.

The rest of the week around the 16th and 17th of September sees a jump in size – around 6ft on the 17th – but the period drops dramatically to 8-10 seconds and the wind cranks up to 19-22 mph from the ENE. That’s a fresh breeze and short-period wind swell. Combined energy hits four digits (1010 to 1280), which is strong, but it’s gonna be a messy, choppy affair. Not the quality we want for a clean ride.

Sunday the 20th of September and Monday the 21st of September see the size dropping into the 3ft to 5ft range, but the period is down to 7 seconds, and those poor surf conditions flags are flying again. Combined energy sits around 435-580. Not worth getting wet for.

Now, keep your eye on Wednesday, 23rd September. The afternoon shows 5ft from the E at 9 seconds, but the wind drops light from the ENE at 6 mph, making it cross-off and clean. The combined energy is 787, which is a solid moderate push, and the forecast says *expect very good surf conditions*. This is the other standout in the 16-day window. For a reef break like Tankers, a bit of E swell with decent period and light offshores should give you some lined-up waves.

The very end of the run, around the 25th of September, sees swell building to 6ft from the E at 10 seconds, but the wind swings to SSE, putting it cross-on to onshore. Combined energy is high (961 to 1134), but the wind is going to mess with the face. Could be a bit lumpy. If you’re an experienced local, you might find a diamond, but for most, the 23rd is the day to circle.

Bottom line: The first week is a write-off. The 15th and the 23rd are your two best shots. The 15th has that long-period SW groundswell with light winds – ideal for a reef. The 23rd has more size and clean conditions. Don’t sleep on those.

- Rusty

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