Telescopes Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks.

The ocean’s got a bit of a pulse, but it’s going to be a waiting game for the really good ones. We’ve got a solid run of southwest groundswell lining up, but for the next few days, the wind and the tide are going to keep things a bit messy. Nothing epic, but there’ll be waves.

First up, Telescopes (Big Island) on Saturday the 12th. We’re looking at about 6.2ft of southwest swell with a 19-second period – that’s proper long-period groundswell, lots of energy behind it. The combined energy reading is strong at 3086. Water temp is a balmy 84.4°F, which is about normal for this time of year. Honestly, the surf is there, but the south wind is blowing 15 km/h and making it a bit cross and chopped up. It’s a “marginal” call, so I wouldn’t be rushing out for this one unless you’re keen for a battle.

Sunday the 13th kicks up a notch in size – about 6.9ft – but the wind swings more southeasterly at 25 km/h and there’s a risk of thunderstorms. The period drops a bit to 17 seconds, and the energy is still strong. It’ll be cleaner than Saturday, but that wind is still a factor. Still, it’s a bit of a “marginal” call again. Not the one.

Monday the 14th through to Wednesday the 16th sees the swell ease back slightly to the 5ft to 5.9ft range with periods dropping into the 14 to 16 second range. The energy is still moderate to strong. There are a few windows of cleaner conditions – Monday morning and Tuesday morning look like they have better cross-off winds. But the comments keep flagging “questionable tide conditions,” so it’s a case of checking the local bank.

Now, here’s where it starts to get interesting. Tuesday the 15th morning is the first real standout. The swell is 5.6ft from the SSW with a 15-second period. It’s still an exposed reef break, but the wind is a gentle 15 km/h cross-off from the southeast. The comment says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” This is a proper pick for the crew who know what they’re doing. It’s still not huge, but it’s clean and has some push.

The middle of the week – Thursday the 17th and Friday the 18th – the swell backs off a bit, dropping to 3.9ft to 4.3ft. The period shortens, and the energy dips into the moderate range. There are some clean mornings, but the size just isn’t there. It’s a bit of a lull, a chance to rest the shoulders.

Now, for the first week’s true high point, look to Saturday the 20th of September. The run-up shows the swell rebuilding on Friday, and by Saturday afternoon we’re looking at a solid 6.2ft of SSW swell with a 15-second period. The wind is a light 15 km/h cross-off from the southeast, and the comment flags it as “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” The energy on the Friday beforehand jumps up to 1560, and by Saturday it’s climbing. This is the one to circle on the calendar. It’s not a monster, but it’s got proper shape and the wind is right.

The following week starts off with some promise. Monday the 22nd morning has the swell back at 5.2ft with a 14-second period and a light 10 km/h cross-off wind. It’s another “excellent” call. Not huge, but clean. The winds stay light for Tuesday the 23rd morning as well, with 4.9ft swell and a 15-second period. A few more of these clean windows.

There’s another pulse of energy on Friday the 26th of September. The swell jumps back up to 5.6ft to 5.9ft with an 18-second period. That’s a very long period groundswell, which at an exposed reef like Telescopes is going to be powerful and lined up. The wind is light and cross-off for both the morning and afternoon. The energy readings are strong, over 2000. This is another standout, but it’s over a week away, so treat it as promising but not locked in.

The window closes with Sunday the 28th morning – 5.9ft of SSW swell, a 15-second period, and a 15 km/h cross-off. Clean, solid, and another “excellent” call to end the period.

So, overall, there are waves for the whole period, but the first few days are messy. The real standouts are Tuesday the 15th morning and Saturday the 20th afternoon. If you can only pick two sessions, make it those. The second week has that promising pulse around the 26th, but we’ll have to see how it develops. Don’t forget your wettie – the water’s warm, but the wind can be a factor.

Alright, that’s the picture. Stay stoked.

Read more