Terra Mar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, looking at the next 16 days for our stretch of coast. To be honest, it’s a bit of a slow burn, and we’ve got a lot of waiting ahead.

First up, the water is sitting at a very warm 74°, which is a whopping 6° above normal for this time of year – that’s way out of the ordinary, feels like a late summer holdover.

The first real chance to get wet kicks off on Saturday the 5th at Terra Mar, a point break that’s fairly consistent and exposed to the swell. Saturday morning we’re looking at a 3ft SSW groundswell with a nice long period of 16 seconds, giving it some real push. The combined energy is moderate at 1043, but the wind is a light cross-onshore, so it’ll be a bit bumpy. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, but the quality is only marginal due to the wind and tide. That afternoon, the swell bumps up slightly to 4ft from the SW, but the wind picks up to 9 mph from the WNW, making it choppier.

Sunday the 6th is where things get a little more interesting. The morning brings a 6ft S swell at 14 seconds, with a cross-offshore wind from the north at 9 mph. That’s clean surf! The combined energy is up to 1287, and it’s worth a look. The caveat is that the direction is less than ideal for this spot which prefers WSW, so it won’t be perfect. That afternoon, the swell drops to 4ft from the SSW with a 15-second period, but the wind goes cross-shore, leaving a bit of chop.

Monday the 7th morning sees a solid 6ft SSW swell at 13 seconds, but the 9 mph cross-onshore wind from the west makes it choppy. That’s a lot of water for a beginner spot, and the energy is strong at 1303, but the wind is a killer. By the afternoon, the wind cranks up to 12 mph, and the surf is poor. From Tuesday the 8th onwards, the swell drops and the wind stays mostly onshore or cross-onshore, creating poor conditions through the end of the week. The combined energy drops below 1000, and it’s just not worth it.

Honestly, the standout session here is Sunday morning, September 6th. That 6ft S swell with the 9 mph cross-offshore wind is the cleanest we’ll see. It’s got moderate energy (1287) and the wind will be holding the waves up nicely. The swell direction is a bit off, but that clean, offshore wind is a major positive. It’s not huge, but it’s the best on offer.

After that, we’re looking at a long gap of poor to marginal conditions. From Monday afternoon right through to the end of the 16-day window, the swell is small, the wind is lousy, and the scores are low. Things get really weak after the 12th, with combined energy barely cracking 500. There’s a tiny uptick around the 18th and 19th with 2ft to 3ft SW swells, but with light onshore winds, it’s still just marginal. For a spot that’s fairly consistent, this is a long flat spell, but it’s the reality of the forecast.

Stay patient, and if you get a chance, hit it Sunday morning. Otherwise, it’s time to wax the longboard and wait for a better window.

Rusty.

Read more