Thunder Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, it’s a pretty grim stretch ahead. We’ve got a long, long gap of poor to no surf before anything even starts to look half decent. The first real chance of a wave doesn’t show up until Tuesday the 22nd of September, so that’s over a week of flat or junky conditions to sit through.

The water at Thunder is sitting at a warm 85°, which is about normal for this time of year, so at least you’ll be comfortable while you’re waiting.

Let’s talk about the only period that offers anything. Tuesday the 22nd of September, we finally see a pulse of swell arrive. It’s not huge, coming in around 4 ft from the ESE with a short period of 8 seconds. The combined wave energy is moderate, sitting in the 140s (146-149). The wind on Tuesday morning is a gentle cross-offshore breeze from the ESE, which will keep things clean, and by the afternoon it goes light cross-shore. For this break, that’s the best we’re going to get. The break itself is a sheltered reef that rarely breaks and is for intermediate surfers, so don’t expect a circus.

This is the one and only standout in the whole 16-day run. It’s not epic, but it’s the only window with rideable waves and workable wind. Keep in mind, the swell direction is ESE, but Thunder’s optimum is ENE, so it’s a bit of a compromise. Still, if you’re desperate for a paddle, that Tuesday is your day.

The rest of the forecast is either flat, or so small and wind-affected it’s not worth a second look. From the 13th through the 21st, and again from the 23rd onward, the swell energy is either zero or below 100, with persistent cross-off winds. There’s a tiny spike on the 27th and 28th with some 1 ft to 2 ft swell, but it’s still weak and short-period, with those same cross-off winds. Not worth getting wet for.

So, to sum it up: wait it out until Tuesday the 22nd of September. That’s your best – and pretty much only – chance for a surf.

Rusty.

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