The Wharf Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what these next couple of weeks look like at The Wharf.

Honestly, it’s a flat spell for good waves. From Tuesday the 1st of September, we’ve got some small south swell coming in around 2–3 ft, but the wind is honking onshore from the ESE and SE at 15–18 mph, with thunderstorms possible. That means choppy, blown-out junk. The water temp is 81°F, right about average for this time of year.

Wednesday the 2nd is more onshore wind at 18 mph and short-period swell from the ESE at 4–5 ft but only 5–6 seconds – total mush. Thursday the 3rd brings a long-period groundswell from the SW at 2–3 ft with periods of 15–16 seconds, so the energy is there, but the onshore wind at 18–22 mph wrecks it.

Friday the 4th is the closest we get to a highlight. We’re looking at a 3 ft south swell with a 17-second period in the morning, building to 4–5 ft in the afternoon, with very strong energy. The swell direction (south) is perfect for this reef, but the wind is still onshore from the east at 18 mph. If this had offshore wind, it would be firing. As it is, it’ll be lumpy.

Saturday the 5th has similar size (4 ft) and strong energy, but again, onshore wind at 15 mph keeps it poor. Sunday the 6th sees the swell drop back to 2–3 ft with a 13-second period, and cross-onshore wind.

From the 7th of September through to the 16th, it’s small south-west groundswells (2–3 ft) with long periods, but the wind stays onshore or cross-onshore from the east and east-northeast. Never clean. The 13th has a very long 19-second period swell from the SW, but with a fresh cross-onshore breeze, it’s just a messy, choppy lineup.

For an intermediate spot like The Wharf, which is consistent and exposed, this constant wind kills any chance of good surf. It can get crowded here normally, but not this time. With this much breeze and size, it’s honestly more of a kiteboarding setup right now.

There are no good surf options in this 16-day window. It’s a rough stretch, but these blanks happen in this area. Forecasts can flip, so don’t write it off completely.

Rusty.

Read more