Winki Pop Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Winki Pop. This is a reef and point setup, so it’s got that structure to handle a good south-west groundswell, and it’s a spot that needs a bit of respect – advanced level only.

The water temperature is sitting at 56° right now, which is about normal for this time of year, so don't expect any surprises there.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start. The first few days are a write-off. Wednesday the 26th is a mess with cross and cross-onshore winds, and the swell is weak and messy. Thursday the 27th is small, with a 3ft SSW swell at 11 seconds, but it does clean up nicely with a light offshore NW wind in the morning. Waves are surfable but very ordinary. You’ll be scratching around for scraps.

Friday the 28th is where it starts to get a bit more interesting. The morning shows a 3ft SW swell, but the period jumps to 18 seconds – that’s a very long period groundswell. The wave energy is moderate (719), and we’ve got clean conditions with a cross-offshore breeze. This is a classic point break setup, so that long period energy will wrap in nicely. It’s a good option for the experienced crew.

The real standout, though, is looking like Monday the 31st of August. The whole day is clean. Morning brings a 5ft SSW swell at 15 seconds, with a light NNW cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy is strong (1204). The afternoon gets even better with a glassy offshore NNW wind, dropping to 3 mph, and a 4ft SSW swell at 14 seconds. This is the pick of the first week. Expect very good surf conditions, and with it being a consistent spot, you’ll get your share. Just keep in mind, crowds are often a thing here, so get in early.

The start of September gets a bit tricky. Tuesday the 1st has a fresh offshore NW wind at 19 mph, which is clean but the swell is dropping and the conditions are considered marginal. Wednesday the 2nd is back to clean with a 4ft SW swell at 15 seconds, good energy (714), and very good conditions. A solid morning session.

Now, looking further out, the second week has some real potential but less certainty. Saturday the 5th of September and Sunday the 6th see the swell building. Saturday has a 6ft to 6ft SW swell at 16-17 seconds with a fresh cross-offshore breeze, but it’s marginal due to the wind strength. The combined energy is very strong (2871 on Saturday morning). This is getting into the big stuff.

Monday the 7th of September is a standout in the long-range. The morning shows a 7ft SW swell at 14 seconds with a light cross-offshore wind and clean conditions. The wave energy is very strong (1702). The comment says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers” – and that’s exactly what it is. At 7ft, it’s pushing into expert territory at a reef and point break.

Then Tuesday the 8th of September morning is another one to circle. A 6ft SW swell with an 18-second period, light cross-offshore wind, and the combined energy is massive (2557). Again, excellent conditions for experienced surfers. This is proper groundswell, and Winki Pop will be handling it beautifully.

The very end of the run, Thursday the 10th of September, shows a massive 13ft SW swell at 13 seconds, with a combined energy of 7533. That’s a very strong event. The wind is cross-offshore, but it’s marginal for quality. That’s a big, powerful swell, and at that size, it’s strictly for the experts only.

So, to wrap it up: the first few days are a wash. The best bet early on is Monday the 31st of August. For the long-range, keep your eyes on Monday the 7th and Tuesday the 8th of September. Those are the ones that could be absolutely pumping.

Rusty.

Read more