The Inlet and Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here with the imperial version. Let’s be honest, it’s been a flat spell at The Inlet and Pier. If you’re itching to paddle out, you’ll be waiting a while – because we’ve got a solid 10-day gap of tiny, weak, and messy surf before a couple of sessions show up that are worth a look.

Starting today, the 29th of August, we’ve got a tiny 1ft SE swell with an 8-second period, and the energy is weak at just 32. There’s a cross-onshore breeze kicking up chop. Don’t bother. Water temp is 77°, which is a touch warmer than average – about 3° above the long-term normal – so the water’s warm, but the waves are missing.

Saturday the 30th through Tuesday the 3rd of September: more of the same. 1ft to 2ft of short-period slop, mixed winds, and energy readings between 15 and 27 – that’s weak. Wednesday the 4th and Thursday the 5th bump up to 2ft, but it’s still choppy and short-period, with energy hitting 84 at best – still only low-moderate. The wind is cross-onshore, so the surface is messy.

From Friday the 6th to Monday the 9th of September, it’s even smaller: 0.7ft to 1ft, mostly onshore wind, energy as low as 12. If you’re into kite surfing, the breeze might work, but for paddle surfing, it’s a flat spell.

Now, here’s the good bit. Tuesday the 10th of September morning: offshore wind from the west at 9 mph, with a 1ft SE swell and a 9-second period. Energy is 60 – modest – but that offshore breeze will clean it up. The comment says “surfable waves but very ordinary conditions,” but for a quiet session on a shortboard, the Inlet and Pier could offer a few little rollers.

The real standout is Saturday the 13th of September morning. Glassy – dead calm wind – with a 4ft ENE swell. The period is short at 5 seconds, so the waves will be a bit dumpy, but the clean surface is gold. Energy is 98, borderline moderate, and the swell direction (ENE) is close to the optimum NE for this break. Crowds are often here, so get in early. This is not for beginners – 4ft on a short period can be punchy – but intermediates will find fun peaks.

Sunday the 14th of September sees a bigger 5ft ENE swell, period still short at 6 seconds, energy 184 – solid moderate. The wind goes cross-shore from the south, adding a bit of chop, but there’s plenty of push.

After that, Monday the 15th is back to 2ft and lumpy.

Best call: Saturday the 13th of September morning for glassy 4ft surf. Tuesday the 10th is a smaller but cleaner option. The first 10 days are a waste. Stay patient.

Rusty.

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