The Left Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s be straight: the next two weeks are a tough watch for The Left. We’re looking at a long stretch with barely a session worth paddling out for, and what surf there is comes with messy wind or flat spells. The groundswell will eventually show up, but it’s a long wait.

Right now, from Tuesday 25 August right through to the end of the month, it’s a write-off. Swell is tiny—nothing above 4ft and mostly below 2ft—and the wind is cross-off or cross-shore, but the wave energy is weak (between 19 and 312). The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual.

Wednesday 26 August to Friday 28 August is even worse: swells drop to 1-1ft and energy sinks below 20. The weekend picks up a little, but on Saturday 29 August the period drops to 4 seconds—that's pure wind chop, no shape. Sunday 30 August stays small and messy. By Monday 31 August there’s a bit more energy (107-250) but the wind turns onshore or cross with the wrong direction for The Left, and the swell is from the north, which isn’t its optimum.

The first real chance comes on Tuesday 1 September. The morning sees a 5ft north swell with a 9-second period, cross-off wind from the southeast, and energy at 400—moderate. It’s listed as marginal, not terrible, but the wind is clean. Still, it’s only 5ft, so not big, and the direction isn’t ideal for this northwest-facing point.

Nothing else of note until a big pulse shows up on Saturday 5 September. That morning, an 12ft WNW swell hits with energy at 2322—very strong. But the wind is a cross-onshore near gale (28-31 mph). The whole setup is blown out and dangerous, more of a kite day than a paddle session. That size is only for experts anyway.

The one standout is Sunday 6 September. The morning brings a 7ft north-northwest groundswell with a 11-second period and energy at 1167—that’s strong. Wind is cross-off from the south-southwest and light, making for clean conditions. This is the best wave of the whole 16-day window. At 7ft, it’s solid but not huge, and with the long period it’ll have decent shape and push at this point break. It’s a solid option if you’re keen and experienced. Keep in mind this is a full week and a half away, so take the call with a pinch of salt, but the signs are promising.

Beyond that, Monday 7 September drops back to 3ft with fresh cross-shore wind, and Tuesday 8 September has another pulse—7ft from the west, short period (7 seconds), and messy cross-shore wind at 25 mph. Not worth the drive.

So, bottom line: nothing for the first week, then a marginal Tuesday 1 September, then a strong but blown-out Saturday 5 September, and the best bet is Sunday 6 September at The Left. Crowds are possible there, so keep that in mind.

Rusty.

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