Tippers Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what we’ve got on the cards.

Alright, let’s be straight with each other. This outlook is a tough one. Over the next 16 days, there’s no period where I’d say “drop everything and go.” The surf is consistently small and plagued by either cross-onshore winds or tricky conditions. Every day shows either “poor surf conditions” or at best “marginal” scores. There is no standout window. It’s one of those stretches where you’re better off waxing the board at home or checking the local cam rather than making a trip.

The only consistent spot on offer is Tippers. This is a reef break that’s very consistent for swell, and it’s exposed to the SSW swell. The optimum direction for Tippers is SW, and we do see that direction coming in at times. Tippers is rated for beginners, meaning these small waves aren’t dangerous, but the quality just isn’t there. The water temp is sitting at 73°, which is 5° warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s very unusual, so at least the water will feel nice.

Right now, starting Sunday the 16th, we have a 3 ft SSW swell with a long period of 15 seconds, but the wind is a cross-on from the WNW at 9 mph. It serves up poor surf. The combined swell energy is moderate at 489. That sets the tone for the whole run. The next few days, Monday the 17th through Friday the 21st, all show similar numbers: knee-to-waist high SSW swell (2 ft to 3 ft), periods between 13 and 16 seconds, and winds that are either onshore or cross-onshore. The energy stays moderate (248–454). The condition comments are consistently “poor surf” or “marginal due to wind or tide.”

We do get a slight window around Saturday the 22nd afternoon – a 3 ft SSW swell, and a cross-on wind that’s just a light breeze. At Tippers, this shows as “marginal.” The long period (14 seconds) might offer some shape on the reef, but 3 ft is small for a reef that likes a bit more push. The energy is moderate at 404. This is the closest thing to a session, but don’t expect much.

After that, we drift through the final week of August and into the 31st. The swell stays tiny (1 ft to 3 ft), with the long periods (16–19 seconds) meaning those waves will be fat and slow. The wind mostly stays light and onshore or cross-onshore. Even the “marginal” days (like the 27th) are just that – barely worth paddling out for. On the 29th we see a 3 ft SSW, moderate energy at 635, but poor conditions. Nothing changes.

For a stretch this long with no real quality, and with Tippers being the only consistent spot, it’s one of those patterns where the area just goes quiet. It won’t be like this forever, and forecasts can shift, but right now there’s no standout day or break.

Sorry to be the bearer of flat news. Keep the board waxed.

- Rusty

Read more