Watergate Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s on offer for Watergate Bay. I’ll be straight with you – it’s a bit of a frustrating stretch ahead. We’ve got plenty of swell pushing in over the next couple of weeks, but the wind is going to be a real pain in the arse for most of it, keeping things messy. The water’s sitting at 65°F – a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – so at least you won’t need a full 5/4.

We’re starting with a flat spell. The first few days, from Sunday the 23rd right through the week, are a write-off. The swell is tiny (0.7ft to 2ft) and the wind is mostly cross or cross-off, but the power is just not there. The combined energy is weak, barely hitting triple digits (57 on Sunday afternoon, 62 on Tuesday morning). It’s just not worth paddling out for.

The first real pulse of swell shows up on Thursday the 27th. The morning bump brings 4ft from the SW, but the period is a short 8 seconds, so it’s a bit of a weak, fat windswell. The energy is moderate (223), but the cross-off breeze keeps it clean. The afternoon improves slightly with 4ft and a light breeze, but it’s still very ordinary. I’d give it a miss.

Friday the 28th is a step in the wrong direction. The swell builds to 6ft by the afternoon from the WSW, but the wind swings cross-on and the period drops to 7 seconds. The energy is climbing (337), but it’s choppy and lumpy. By Saturday the 29th, we’re looking at 7ft from the W in the morning, but again, cross-on wind and a short period (545 energy). That’s expert territory at best, and the onshore wind is just going to turn it into a washing machine. The same story continues into Sunday the 30th and Monday the 31st.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. If you can wait, the standout window is Sunday the 6th of September. The afternoon session is the real gem. The swell is a solid 10ft from the WNW, with a moderate 9-second period, and the combined energy is massive (1346). But the magic is the wind: it’s glassy, dead calm. For experienced surfers, this is going to be excellent. The size alone means it’s not for beginners, but for those with the skills, the clean conditions will make it a day to remember. The only catch is that with a 9-second period, it’s a bit of a mixed bag – it’ll have power, but it might not be the most organised line-up.

Monday the 7th of September offers a follow-up. The morning has 6ft from the W with a 10-second period, clean offshore wind from the ESE, and big energy (824). The afternoon bumps up to 8ft, but the period drops to 8 seconds, and the energy is even higher (1288). The offshore wind is still there, but the size and shorter period make it a bit of a beast – strictly for experts. The tide could be a factor too, so keep that in mind.

In short, you’ve got a long wait for the good stuff. Most of the next two weeks are blown out or too small. The best bet by a long shot is the afternoon of Sunday the 6th of September – that glassy 10ft swell is the one to circle. The 7th is a solid backup, but it’s gnarly. Everything else? Honestly, I’d be looking for something else to do until then.

Rusty.

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