Trapdoors Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. We’ve got a solid run of surf coming up at Trapdoors, a point and river setup that really needs the right direction to light up. The water sits at 68° right now, which is about average for this time of year. The first few days are clean and fun, but the real muscle shows up later in the second week. Let’s get into it.

Friday the 10th kicks things off with a clean 6ft swell from the southeast, period around 10 seconds, and a cross-off breeze. The combined energy is moderate (834). It’s a good start, but the waves are a bit short period for a point break – still, plenty of fun for those who know the place.

Saturday the 11th morning is where it gets tasty. Glassy conditions, 4ft from the southeast, 10-second period, and the combined energy is moderate (513). Light wind, clean faces – this is the standout of the first week. The afternoon turns a bit onshore and messy, so get in early.

Sunday the 12th holds clean 3ft swell in the morning with cross-off wind, energy dropping to 263. The afternoon goes glassy with 3ft, but it’s weak. From Monday the 13th through Tuesday the 14th, the surf turns tiny – 2ft and below, energy down to 17. A couple of glassy mornings but not worth paddling out for.

Wednesday the 15th sees a jump: offshore wind with 2ft in the morning, but the real change is the afternoon – 5ft from the south, 7-second period, and fresh offshore wind. The energy is moderate (273), but the short period makes it a bit lumpy. Thursday the 16th brings bigger swell: 8ft in the morning, 10ft in the afternoon, both from the south-southeast, period 8-9 seconds, and cross-off wind. Combined energy jumps to 892 then 1488. That’s solid, but the onshore cross-off breeze and short period mean it’s not as clean as it could be – better for experienced surfers only.

Now, Friday the 17th is where it gets big. Morning swell hits 13ft from the southeast with a 12-second period, combined energy 4705. The afternoon pumps 16ft from the south-southeast, 11-second period, energy 8925. That’s a lot of water moving. The wind is cross-off, but the swell is too big for this break – it’s all experts only here. Saturday the 18th morning sees 13ft again, but with offshore wind and a 10-second period, combined energy 4641. This is the true standout of the entire forecast – excellent conditions for experienced surfers, with the offshore wind grooming the long-period groundswell. The afternoon drops to 10ft, still clean but less punch.

Sunday the 19th brings a 8ft swell from the southeast, 12-second period, with offshore wind in the morning – combined energy 1943. That’s a long-period groundswell, perfect for a point break like Trapdoors, but it’ll be breaking straight on the beach sections. Still, a top pick for the second week. The afternoon goes cross-on, so morning is the call.

Monday the 20th through Wednesday the 23rd sees the swell ease back to 4ft-5ft, with glassy mornings and offshore winds. Combined energy sits between 280 and 451. Consistent, clean, and fun for all levels. Thursday the 23rd afternoon is glassy with 4ft from the east-southeast, 10-second period – a nice little session.

Friday the 24th morning has a clean 5ft from the south with offshore wind, energy 541. That’s a good way to finish the working week. Saturday the 25th brings a bump to 8ft from the south-southeast, but with cross-on wind and a 9-second period – combined energy 1772. It’s big, but messy, so only for the keen.

Best bet: Saturday the 11th morning for the glassy, clean 4ft. And for the big stuff, Saturday the 18th morning – 13ft with offshore wind and long-period groundswell, a true standout for experts.

Rusty.

Read more