The Wharf Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards for The Wharf over the next couple of weeks.

To be brutally honest, this is a tough stretch. We’ve got some solid energy in the water at times, but the wind, the direction, and the conditions just aren’t lining up for a quality paddle session. The Wharf is a consistent reef break that loves a south swell, but with a persistent onshore wind for the vast majority of the period, the odds are stacked against us. The water temp is sitting at a pretty normal 81°F for this time of year, so at least you won't be cold while you're getting frustrated.

The forecast kicks off on Friday, August 28th, and it’s a write-off. We’re looking at a 5ft to 6ft swell with a gusty 19 mph easterly wind plastering it onshore. The wave energy is moderate at best (756), but the quality is poor. That sets the tone for the next several days. Saturday the 29th sees a similar story: a 6ft SE swell, still with that pesky 22 mph easterly. The surf is going to be a bumpy mess. Sunday the 30th drops off in size to 3ft, but we get some very long period energy from the south (17 seconds). While that usually means quality, the onshore wind still ruins it, and a long period swell like that can be tricky at a reef break if it’s blowing.

We’re looking at a big gap here with no good surf. From Friday the 28th right through to Tuesday the 8th of September, every single session is rated as "poor surf conditions." The wind just doesn’t let up. It fluctuates between moderate and fresh breezes, all from the east or southeast, keeping the ocean lumpy and choppy.

There is a tiny flicker of hope. On Wednesday, September 9th, we finally see a shift. The wind swings around to a light easterly-northeasterly at 6 mph in the afternoon, going cross-onshore. The swell drops to a small 3ft, but it’s packing some serious grunt with a 16-second period from the southwest, and the wave energy jumps to a strong 631. The report calls it "marginal," which is the best we see in the whole 16-day run. It’s still not perfect with the cross-onshore wind, but if you’re desperate, the light wind and that long-period groundswell could offer some cleaner, more lined-up waves at The Wharf than anything else in this forecast. This is your best and only real bet in the whole window.

After that little glimmer, it's back to the grind. Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th of September see the onshore wind return, with 19 mph gusts and fresh cross-onshore conditions making it lumpy again. The swell stays small (3ft to 3ft) and the energy drops off. The last few days of the forecast, into the second week, are consistent with the theme: small swell and a damn onshore breeze.

So, if you’ve got to get wet, your one standout is the afternoon of Wednesday, September 9th. The rest of this run is going to be a frustrating wait. This is one of those stretches where it just doesn’t stay poor for long, but right now, it’s staying poor for ages. Keep an eye on it, but don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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