The Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the table for the Island.

We’re looking at a solid stretch of southwest groundswell hitting this exposed reef, but the real story is the wind. For the first week, it’s a battle. The energy is there, with moderate to strong combined swell energy (811 to 3657), but the wind is just not playing ball. Thursday the 9th is a bit of a tease, with a moderate cross-shore chop and marginal tide concerns, but it’s not worth paddling out for. Friday the 10th is a write-off: choppy, onshore wind. The weekend of the 11th and 12th sees a jump in size, but it’s blown out and messy. The swell is pushing 7ft to 8ft, too big for beginners, and the wind is howling. This is a kite surfer’s dream, not a paddle surfer’s. The pattern continues into Monday and Tuesday the 13th and 14th with onshore and cross-onshore slop, though the swell is still pumping (combined energy up to 3657).

The turning point is Wednesday the 15th. That’s the standout. The wind finally goes offshore and light, the swell is a clean 6ft to 7ft from the SW with a long 15-second period. This is proper groundswell, and it’s going to line up beautifully on this reef. The water temp is 60°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so don’t forget a thicker suit. The energy is moderate to strong (1348 to 1677). This is the best on offer in the first week. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so get it early.

Thursday the 16th is also worth a mention. The swell drops to 4ft to 4ft, but the wind is light or nearly glassy, so it’ll be clean and fun for the smaller board. The stretch from Friday the 17th to Sunday the 19th is back to mediocrity with lumpy, cross-shore wind and building swell, not much to get excited about.

Then, we have another proper window. Monday the 20th is a gem. The wind is light offshore, and the swell is a solid 7ft from the SW with a 16-second period. That’s chest to head high, clean, and for experienced surfers only. The combined energy is strong (1978). Tuesday the 21st is a touch smaller at 5ft, but still clean with light offshore winds. Wednesday the 22nd is another promising morning, with a light offshore breeze and a 6ft SW groundswell (1382 combined energy). Clean and punchy.

The second week is patchier. Thursday the 23rd and the weekend are messy. The next real standout is Friday the 24th. The swell jumps back up to 8ft from the SW, and the wind is clean cross-off from the SE. That’s a big swell, only for experts. The combined energy is strong (2374). It’s promising, but it’s a long way out, so keep an eye on the forecasts.

Overall, the best surf is on Wednesday the 15th and Monday the 20th. The reef will handle the long period swell well. Don’t bother with the first weekend unless you’re kiting.

Rusty.

Read more