The Wharf Lefts Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, I’m looking at the charts for the next couple of weeks, and I gotta be straight with you – it’s been a tough run. The Wharf Lefts is a reef break that’s fairly consistent, and it’s exposed to south swells, which is what we’re seeing. But for the most part, the conditions are just not cooperating. The water temp is sitting right around 81°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

From now through to the end of August and all the way into the first week of September, the surf is small and messy. The wind is a persistent cross-off from the ENE, which is fine for keeping things clean, but the swell is tiny – between 1ft and 3ft – and the energy is weak, with readings in the 200s and 300s (combined energy of all swells directed here). The swell period is mostly short to moderate, so you’re looking at weak, crumbly waves. It’s a real struggle.

There’s a long gap with nothing worth paddling out for until we get to Monday, September 7th. That’s the day that finally shows some promise. The wind swings around to a true offshore from the NNE, gusting to 12 mph, and the swell bumps up to 3ft to 3ft from the SSW, with a long period of 17 seconds. That’s solid groundswell energy, and the combined energy jumps to over 500 (508 and 543). It’s a reef break, so that long-period swell should wrap in nicely. The wave comment says expect very good surf conditions, and the forecast is clean. The break can get crowded sometimes, so get there early. This is the standout.

After that, things get messy again. The wind goes cross-on, there’s risk of thunderstorms, and the swell drops back down. The rest of the second week is a write-off with small, weak swell and poor conditions. There’s a hint of marginal surf around September 14th and 15th, with 3ft swell and 14-15 second periods, but the wind is cross-off and the energy is only moderate. It’s not the kind of day that gets you out of bed.

So, to sum it up: the one real opportunity in the next 16 days is Monday, September 7th. The rest is a waiting game. The Wharf Lefts is a consistent spot, so it’ll come good again, but for now, patience is the name of the game.

Rusty

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