Tea Break Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s goin’ on at Tea Break.

First off, the water’s sittin’ at about 84°, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so no surprises there. But the outlook for the next couple weeks? Honestly, it’s a rough stretch. We’ve got a long run of cross-shore wind and generally poor conditions that’ll test your patience.

From Thursday the 27th of August through the end of the first week, it’s a no-go. The wind’s blowin’ cross-shore from the ENE to E at 9 to 19 mph, and the swell, while it’s there, is a mess. The combined wave energy is moderate (134 to 212), but the wind’s put a cross-chop on it, so it’s lumpy and uninviting. Swell heights run from about 3 ft to 5 ft, with a short period of 5 to 8 seconds – weak, wind-affected junk. Not what you want on a reef.

Come Monday the 31st of August, the swell bumps up, hittin’ 7 ft from the east with a 10-second period. The combined energy jumps to 724 (strong), but the wind’s still cross-shore at 16 mph, and the call is “marginal surf.” That’s a lot of water moving with no clean face – a real bummer. At that size (over 5 ft), it’s pushin’ it for beginners, and with the chop, it’s only for the brave or the foolish.

The first week of September ain’t any kinder. The wind stays cross-shore, the swell drops, and the energy fades. There’s a gap of several days here where you’re better off stayin’ on the beach. It’s not until Tuesday the 8th of September we get a little glimmer. That morning the wind goes glassy – a light 3 mph from the east – and the swell is 2 ft from the east with a 9-second period. The combined energy is 105 (moderate), and it’s described as “surfable but very ordinary.” It’s clean, but small. If you’re itchin’, this is your window.

Then, the real standout for the whole period is Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th of September. We’ve got a long-period groundswell rollin’ in from the NNE and NE, with a period of 12 seconds. The swell height is only 2 ft to 3 ft, but that long period brings shape and punch. The combined energy is in the 200s (moderate to strong), and the wind is light – 6 to 9 mph from the east. Now, because this is a reef break and the swell’s comin’ from the NNE, it’s a perfect match for the optimum direction. The waves will be clean, lined up, and have that push you don’t get from short-period slop. This is the best on offer. Remember, a 12-second period can make beach breaks close out, but at a reef like Tea Break, it’s a dream. Crowds are possible, so get in early.

After that, we slide back into poor surf from the 11th of September onward, with cross-shore winds and short-period junk.

So, bottom line: the first week is a bust. Your only real shots are the morning of Tuesday the 8th for clean but small waves, and the true winner is Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th of September – that long-period NNE groundswell with light wind. That’s the one to circle. Don’t waste your time on the rest.

Rusty.

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