The Maze (Tiree) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let's have a look at what we've got for The Maze, my friends. It's a bit of a mixed bag over the next 16 days, so don't get too excited just yet. The water temp's sitting at about 59°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year – no nasty surprises there.

We start off with a real flat spell. From Friday the 28th of August right through to the end of the month, the surf is just not there. You're looking at tiny, bumpy, unorganised slop with no energy. Cross-shore and onsore winds ruining anything that tries to show up. It's a write-off, basically. You could spend the whole bank holiday weekend staring at a lake.

The first few days of September aren't much better. We get a pulse of swell on the 1st – around 8ft from the west – but it's being hammered by a fresh cross-onshore wind. The combined energy jumps up to 1051 which is serious power, but with that wind it's just a lumpy, choppy mess. Not worth paddling out. Then it drops right back off again into tiny, clean but tiny surf the next few days.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Keep your eyes on Tuesday the 8th of September. That's your window. The Maze (Tiree) is showing 8ft of swell from the northwest with a 9-second period. The combined energy is sitting at 999 – that's a lot of water moving around. The wind is light and cross-off from the SSE, which is going to keep it clean. This is the standout. 8ft is solid, expert territory though – this isn't one for the learners. Over 8ft can mean it's a handful, so only take it on if you know what you're doing. The northwest direction matches what the spot likes to see, so the point should really be holding some proper lines. Just be aware crowds are possible, so get out there early.

After that little burst, it all fades out again. The second week is a real letdown. We're back to small, weak, and messy swells with a lot of cross and cross-on winds from the north and northwest. The energy drops right off, the periods are short, and the conditions just turn ugly. From the 9th onwards it's back to being a disappointing run of poor surf.

So, to sum it up: the first week and a half is a dud. The only real highlight is that Tuesday the 8th. It's a long way out so treat it as promising, but the signals are good. If you can book the day off work, it could be a serious session.

Rusty.

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