Castlepoint - The Gap Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what's coming down the line for Castlepoint - The Gap. Looks like a bit of a slow cooker this one, but there’s some decent windows of opportunity if you’re patient.

Right out of the gate, we’ve got a bit of a gap. The first action kicks off on Friday the 11th of September. The morning is looking pretty tidy with a small 2ft SSW groundswell. The period is a very long 18 seconds, so there's plenty of push for the size, and the wind is a light cross-off from the NNW. The water temp is sitting at 54°, which is pretty normal for this time of year. It’s a real clean morning, but it's for the beginners out there – the swell energy is moderate at 488.

Don't get too excited by the afternoon though, Friday. The wind swings hard to the WNW at 19 mph, and while it’s offshore, it’s a fresh breeze that’s going to put a bit of a rattle on things. The waves will be small and clean enough, but the fun factor drops off a cliff.

Saturday the 12th sees the swell bump up. Morning brings a 5ft S swell with a solid 16-second period, but the wind is a light cross-shore from the SSW. The energy is proper at 1339, but the wind is just enough to put a tiny wrinkle on the face. By the afternoon it’s bigger, 8ft from the S, but the wind goes onshore. That size is pushing into the too-big-for-beginners zone, and with onshore wind, it’s going to be a bit of a lumpy mess.

The real standout for me is looking at Sunday the 13th. The morning is the pick. We’ve got a clean 7ft S swell, decent 14-second period, and a light cross-off breeze from the WSW. The combined energy is strong at 1697. The wind is keeping it clean. That’s proper surfable, clean, and with some push. It’s not giant, but it’s the best of the first week. The afternoon blows out as the wind turns cross-shore and strengthens, so get on it early.

Then we hit a bit of a lull.

Monday the 14th morning is glassy! A 7ft S swell with only a whisper of wind from the NNW. It’s as clean as it gets, but the energy is dropping to 1231. It’s still a nice wave, but the sun and the glass are a treat. The next few days drop off hard.

From Tuesday the 15th all the way through to the end of the week, the swell just collapses. We’re talking 1ft to 3ft with terrible periods and mostly messy wind conditions. The energy dips into the weak zone (down to 45 in some spots). It’s a real flat spell.

Friday the 18th of September shows a spark of hope in the afternoon. A solid 10ft S swell rolls in, with the energy jumping to 4434 – that’s very strong. The period is 15 seconds, so it’s long and powerful. The wind is a light cross-on from the S. That’s big, clean for the size, but with a bit of onshore texture. That’s definitely one for the experts only; that much water moving is serious business.

Looking further out, the weekend of the 19th and 20th is looking promising but a bit touch-and-go. Saturday the 19th has a 7ft SSW groundswell and a fresh offshore wind from the WNW, keeping it clean. The energy is strong at 1951. That is another solid session in the making, but with that wind strength, you’ll need your wits about you.

The real long-range standout is looking at Tuesday the 22nd of September. The morning session is looking epic on paper. A 7ft S swell, 13-second period, and a clean moderate offshore from the NW. Energy at 1444. All signs point to a good, clean, powerful wave. But it’s a long way out, so keep a loose eye on that one.

Thursday the 24th afternoon also throws up a wildcard. An 8ft SSE swell with a very short 8-second period, but glassy conditions with a gentle offshore from the NW. The energy is moderate at 1037. That short period means it will be a bit fat and walled-up, but with glassy conditions, it might be a fun one for the more experienced crew on a bigger board.

Overall, there’s no consistent run of pumping surf. The best bets are Sunday morning the 13th and Saturday the 19th. Get in the water when you can, because there are a lot of flat days in between.

Stay wet.
- Rusty

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