The Maze (Tiree) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, Rusty here again with the same picture, but in feet and miles per hour.

Okay, let's cut to the chase. This stretch for The Maze (Tiree) is going to be a tough one. We've got plenty of size, but the wind is going to be our enemy for the first week and a half. Every time a solid swell shows up, it’s going to be hammered by strong onshore and cross-onshore winds, leaving it blown out and ugly. It’s going to look way more like a kite-surfing competition than a surf session. Water temp is in the high 50s to low 60s °F, which is about what you’d expect for this time of year.

Let’s break it down. Starting Wednesday the 16th, we’ve got a 8ft west swell, but it’s being wrecked by a 25 km/h onshore wind. Thursday the 17th, the wind turns into a near gale, with swell jumping to 13ft to 16ft. The combined swell energy is in the thousands (2241 to 10701), which is a lot of power, but it’s all worthless with that wind. This same ugly pattern just keeps repeating – strong westerly and southwesterly winds destroying what should be solid surf.

We finally get a break on Wednesday the 23rd of September. The wind swings offshore from the ESE, a light to moderate breeze, and the report says “clean.” The swell drops to a more manageable 7ft from the west with a 13-second period. Still a bit hefty for beginners – over 5ft, so you’ll want some experience – but with clean wind and that groundswell, The Maze’s setup could deliver some nice corners. The combined swell energy is 1357 (moderate). The afternoon looks even cleaner with clear skies and an offshore breeze, but the swell dips to 6ft.

Things get messy again until Friday the 25th of September. Mark this one down. First light on Friday morning, we have an ESE wind at just 10 km/h, offshore, with clear skies. The swell is 7ft from the WNW with an 11-second period. The report says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers,” and that’s the truth – it’s a proper wave but too big for beginners (over 5ft). The clean conditions will have it looking good, and because The Maze is exposed, expect consistent sets. The combined swell energy is 1121 (moderate). This is the standout session for the crew who can handle it. The afternoon is smaller and still clean, but the wind picks up.

After that, the surf drops off a cliff into flatness on the 26th, with a combined swell energy reading of just 54. There’s a tiny glimmer on the 27th but the wind is back onshore and lumpy. The very last day, Tuesday the 29th, offers a small chance. A tiny 4ft west swell with glassy conditions and an offshore breeze. It’s a long shot, but for a micro-session on a longboard, it might be the cleanest glassy paddle in the whole outlook. The energy is weak at just 270.

So here’s the takeaway: This 16-day run is mostly big swell and bad wind, with one clean, solid day on the 23rd and a true expert-level standout on the morning of the 25th. If you’re experienced, don't miss that morning of the 25th. The rest is a write-off unless you’re flying a kite.

Rusty.

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