Thunder Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here, and I've got the lowdown on the stretch ahead. Look, I'll level with you, it's a tough run. The guidance points to a spot called Thunder, a reef break that's about as reliable as a two-dollar watch – it rarely breaks, and when it does, it's not exactly firing. The water temperature is sitting at 84°, which is pretty average for this time of year, nothing to write home about.

We kick off on Sunday, 23rd August, with a tiny 2 ft swell from the ESE. The wind's a cross-off at 19 mph, keeping things clean but the energy is weak, only 53 on the dial. It's a poor surf situation, and honestly, it stays that way for days. The next week is a barren wasteland of tiny, weak swells and persistent cross-off easterly winds. Monday the 24th is the same story, 2 ft and weak energy. Tuesday the 25th sees a slight bump to 3 ft, but it's still a short period 8-second SE swell with weak energy (84). Wednesday and Thursday are a total write-off, with swells barely registering. Friday the 28th shows a hint of life with a 3 ft SE swell pushing the energy to 100, but it’s still labelled poor. Saturday the 29th is similar.

The only period that gets your heart going a little is the end of the first week. On Monday, 31st August, the swell lifts to 4 ft from the SE with a moderate wave energy of 125, and the wind drops to a cross-off 12 mph. The following day, Tuesday 1st September, we get nothing, a total flat spell that lasts right through to Wednesday the 2nd. Then on Thursday 3rd September there's a weak 2 ft pulse, but it's accompanied by a risk of thunderstorms and the energy is a pathetic 36.

The real highlight, such as it is, falls on Saturday, 5th September. We see the biggest swell of the whole outlook: a 4 ft ESE swell with period of 8 seconds and a combined energy of 134 (moderate). The wind stays cross-off at 19 mph, so it will be rideable, but with that short period and the reef exposure, it's not going to offer any magic. The swell direction (ESE) is not aligned with what this break wants (ENE), so don't expect it to be at its best. This is the closest we get to a standout, but for most of us, it's still a pretty average day. After that, it's back to tiny pulses and another flat patch from Sunday 6th September onward.

With the persistent onshore component and the weak, short-period swells, this is a bleak outlook. Honest truth, the whole 16-day window is a struggle. You'd be better off saving your energy, or maybe looking at a different sport.

Rusty.

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