Tarcoola (Chanteez) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.

We’re starting off with a lot of raw power, but it’s not all surfable. The biggest issue early on is that the swell is just too big for this spot, and the wind is often messy. The best window for a proper surf won’t arrive until late in the period, but when it comes, it looks like a gem.

Tarcoola (Chanteez) is the only break in the game here. It’s an advanced wave, and for most of the first week, we’re dealing with heavy SW swell pumping in – 7ft to 8ft and even pushing 10ft – with a lot of cross-shore wind and a choppy surface. That’s not what you want. The energy is massive, with combined swell energy readings in the thousands (2054, 2247, 2763), but it’s too much. On Tuesday 15th, the morning has a 7ft SW swell at 14 seconds, but the 20 km/h south wind makes it cross and lumpy. Not worth paddling out. That theme continues through to Friday 19th, where even though the wind goes light offshore on Saturday 19th with 8–8ft SW swell (energy 2346–2763), it’s still too big for the break.

Sunday 20th morning is where we get our first real glimmer. The swell drops to 5ft from the SW, period 13 seconds, and the wind swings light SE at 5 km/h, giving us clean, glassy conditions. That’s a standout morning – clean lines, moderate energy (854), and the wind is right. It’s not huge, but it’s surfable and good quality.

After that, the swell builds again and the wind turns onshore, so we’re back to waiting. Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd are blown out or too big. Wednesday 23rd morning has a 8ft SW swell with light wind, but again, it’s on the big side and cross-onshore. Not for the faint-hearted.

The real highlight of the whole outlook is Monday 28th September morning and Tuesday 29th September morning. On Monday, the swell is 5ft from the SW at 15 seconds, wind is offshore from the NE at 20 km/h – clean and well-shaped. Energy is moderate (1001). Then Tuesday morning is even better: 6ft SW swell, 15 seconds, and glassy conditions with the wind dropping to 5 km/h from the south. That’s as good as it gets for Tarcoola in this window. The swell is big enough to be fun for experienced surfers, the period is long, and the wind is perfect. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so expect company.

The water temperature is not flagged as unusual, so it’s about average for the time of year.

Summing it up: the first week is mostly a washout – too big and too windy. The standout sessions are Sunday 20th morning, Monday 28th morning, and Tuesday 29th morning. The last two are the best on offer. Get in the water then, and you’ll have a proper session.

Rusty.

Read more