The Patch Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, let’s get into it. The Patch is the only spot on the radar for this stretch, and to be honest, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. We’re looking at a long, drawn-out period of small, weak swell, so don’t expect any barnstormers. The first few days are pretty grim, with onshore winds and poor conditions, but there’s a glimmer of hope if you’re patient.

The opening days are a write-off. Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd are full of cross-on breezes, chop, and tiny swell – barely a ripple. Thursday the 3rd is a bit of a mess too, with a 2ft SW swell but a moderate breeze making things ugly. You’ll be waiting until the end of the week for anything remotely rideable.

Thursday afternoon on the 3rd sees a slight shift. A 4ft W swell fills in with a short 9-second period, but the combined energy is moderate (518). The wind goes light and cross-shore, so it’s small and a bit bumpy, but it’s a start. Friday the 4th is similar: a 3ft SW swell with a lovely long 18-second period – that’s a proper groundswell. The energy is moderate (954), and the wind turns clean cross-off in the afternoon. The Patch is a beach break, so that long period will make it a bit straight and walled, but the clean conditions will be a treat.

Saturday the 5th stays clean in the afternoon with a cross-off breeze and a 3ft SSW swell. Still small, but rideable. Now, the real standout of the whole forecast is Sunday the 6th. The morning session is your best bet. You’ve got a 3ft SSW swell, 15-second period, light cross-off wind, and the text says "expect good surf conditions." The combined energy is moderate (463). It’s not big, but it’s clean, and the consistency is there. The Patch is a fairly consistent spot, so you won’t be waiting forever between sets. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

Monday the 7th morning is also clean with a light cross-off, but the swell is a touch smaller at 2ft. The wind gets a bit strong later in the day, so get out early. Tuesday the 8th is another clean morning with a 3ft SSW swell, but the wind is cross-off from the ENE, which is a nice change. The energy is moderate (371). It’s another good option.

After that, the second week fades fast. The swell drops right off into the 1ft to 2ft range, and the wind is often onshore or cross-on. The 15th of September has a morning of glassy conditions with a 1ft SW swell – it’s small, but glassy, so a longboarder could have a laugh. The energy is weak (131). The 16th is the same story: glassy, 2ft W swell, but again, very small.

The Patch is a beginner-friendly spot, mentioned as "fairly consistent" and "sometimes" crowded. With the swell never getting above 4ft, and most days being under 3ft, it’s fine for all levels, though experts will be bored. For the best chance of a clean wave, set your alarm for Sunday the 6th morning. After that, the pickings are slim. This is a real waiting game, but the clean windows make it worth a look.

Rusty.

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