The Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, grab a coffee, I’ll talk you through the next 16 days for The Island. This is a consistent, exposed reef break that loves a solid SW groundswell, and it’s got a bit of everything over the coming weeks.

We start on Wednesday 9th September with a bit of a messy one. The Island is seeing a hefty 8ft SW groundswell with a very long 18-second period, pumping a massive 3999 (combined energy) onto the reef. That’s a lot of water moving. Problem is, it’s blowing a strong 40 km/h cross-offshore from the SE, which will keep the surface clean but it’s a raw, powerful ocean. At that size, it’s strictly for the experienced crew. Water temperature’s sitting at 15°, pretty much bang on average for the time of year.

Thursday 10th is a better shout. The swell drops a touch to 7ft from the SW, still a long 16-second period, and the energy is still strong at 1981. Morning winds are a clean offshore from the E at 30 km/h, making for a crisp, clean face. This is a good window for the advanced surfer looking for a solid, well-shaped wave. The afternoon stays clean with a lighter cross-off breeze.

Friday 11th is a bit more manageable. The swell eases to 4-5ft, still a nice long period SW groundswell. The morning is clean, but the real highlight is the Friday afternoon. Clear skies, a light 10 km/h cross-off breeze, and expect very good surf conditions. The energy is still moderate at 959, but the shape should be there. This is a solid pick for the experienced surfer, and with the crowds being “sometimes”, you might get a few waves to yourself.

The weekend (Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th) is fading. The swell drops below 4ft, winds shift around, and by Sunday it’s cross-onshore and choppy. Not worth the paddle.

Monday 14th morning is a rare treat. Glassy conditions with a 3ft SW swell. It’s small, but that glassy surface will make it fun for a longboard or a fish. The energy is low (364), so it’s about finesse, not power.

Now, the first real standout of the outlook is Tuesday 15th September. A new pulse of 7ft SW swell with a 14-second period hits, and the energy jumps to 1602. The morning session is the pick: a moderate offshore breeze from the ESE, making for excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers. This is a proper push of swell with clean, offshore lines. Get in the water.

The swell holds through Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th, but the wind quality gets messy. By Friday 18th, it’s still rideable but nothing special.

There’s a long gap of poor conditions from the 19th through the 21st. Swell is tiny, wind is onshore or cross-off, and the energy is low. It’s a dead patch.

Then, on Tuesday 22nd September, we get another standout. The Island lights up again. A 6ft SW groundswell with a 15-second period, and the combined energy rockets to 2202. Morning winds are a gentle offshore from the E. This is another excellent session for the experienced surfer. Clean, long-period groundswell on a reef. That’s the second highlight.

The outlook ends on the 23rd and 24th with some size – 7ft to 7ft – but the wind is either cross-onshore or strong onshore. It’s big and raw, but not clean. For the experts only, if you’re desperate for a paddle.

The Island’s best days are Tuesday 15th and Tuesday 22nd. Both mornings offer solid, clean SW groundswell for the experienced surfer. Don’t sleep on the Friday 11th afternoon either.

Rusty.

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