The Fort Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s get stuck into it.

First up, the water temp is sitting at 56°F, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Right off the bat, truth be told, the first few days are a bit of a write-off. You’ve got small, weak swell and moderate cross-breezes messing up the surface. Not worth paddling out for. We’re looking at a pretty flat spell until about Monday the 13th. The swell starts to pick up a bit then, hitting 6ft, but it’s short period at 8 seconds and the wind is cross and gusty. That’s not going to be pretty.

Things get a little more interesting from the 15th. Wednesday morning has a 6ft swell from the WNW, with a period of 8 seconds and moderate cross-wind. The energy is starting to build, with a combined reading of 879 (moderate energy), but the conditions are still a bit lumpy.

Now, if you're willing to hold out, the real standout window starts around Friday the 24th. The morning shows a 6ft WNW swell, a period of 8 seconds, and light cross-onshore breeze from the south. The energy is up at 904 (moderate energy). That’s a big improvement on what we’ve been seeing. It’s still a bit on the bigger side for beginners, and the Fort is a reef break, so it’s got some punch. The crowd factor is “sometimes,” so you might have company, but it shouldn't be a circus.

Then Saturday the 25th morning looks even better. We’ve got a 7ft swell from the WNW, with a period of 8 seconds, light onshore wind from the southwest. The energy is strong at 934. This is the best you’re gonna see in the whole run. The swell is solid, the wind is light, and the waves should have some real shape. It’s big enough that you’ll want your wetsuit and your A-game, but for an intermediate surfer, it’s prime.

And finally, Sunday the 26th morning is also worth a mention. That 8ft swell from the NW is the biggest of the period, period 9 seconds. Energy is way up at 1249 (strong energy). Light cross-onshore wind again. It’s getting into that expert-only territory size-wise, but for the brave, that’s going to be a proper session. The longer period means better-shaped waves and more energy, but at a reef, it’ll be thick and powerful.

To be honest, if you’re not keen on the big stuff, the middle of the week is choppy and messy, not really worth a paddle. The best advice? Point your board at the 24th, 25th, and 26th. Those are the days.

Rusty.

Read more