Ammonias Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s take a look at what’s on offer for Ammonias over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be straight with you: this forecast has a lot of “maybe” days, but there is one real window of quality if the planets align. The break is a reef setup, so it wants the right swell direction and not too much wind.

For the first week, starting this Sunday, 26 July, we’ve got some long-period groundswell in the water – a solid 16 seconds – but a moderate cross-shore breeze messes things up. Water temp is 80°, bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there. Combined swell energy is in the strong range (1246), but the surf is just marginal. Waves around 3 ft from the SSW, but it’s lumpy and choppy. Not worth racing out for.

Monday 27 July is similar: cross-shore wind, moderate energy (1050 down to 969), and swell turning more easterly. Still only 4 ft, still not clean. The period drops to 14 seconds, still a groundswell. I’d say keep the board in the car.

Now, Tuesday 28 July sees a bump in size: 6 ft to 7 ft from the east, period dropping to 13 seconds. Combined energy climbs to 1487, then 1602. The wind finally swings cross-offshore Tuesday afternoon, meaning clean faces. That’s our first glimmer. The surf is still only rated marginal, but Tuesday afternoon looks the pick of the early days.

Wednesday 29 July is the standout. Morning brings 8 ft from the ENE with a cross-offshore breeze – clean. Combined energy is strong at 1519. By Wednesday afternoon, it jumps to 8 ft from the ENE, period 11 seconds, and the wind goes light and cross-offshore – 9 mph. Clean faces, solid swell, and a rating of “excellent for experienced surfers.” This is the session to aim for. The wave state says “clean,” and that’s gold. However, at 8 ft this is getting into expert territory only. Not one for beginners.

Thursday 30 July sees the swell drop back and wind swing onshore, so that window closes quickly. Friday 31 July into Saturday 1 August: swell bumps up again, but period is short (7-8 seconds) and wind is cross or cross-on, choppy. Combined energy hits 1199-1217 on Saturday but with 19 mph winds and lumpy conditions – poor. This is more kite-surfing weather than paddle surfing.

Sunday 2 August to Wednesday 5 August: size slowly drops from 8 ft to 3 ft, periods shorten, wind stays cross or cross-on. Nothing special. Occasional clean windows but nothing that screams “go”.

From Thursday 6 August onward, it’s pretty bleak: small, short period, mostly onshore. A few pulses of SSW groundswell on the 6th, 7th, and 9th but very small (1 ft to 2 ft) and cross-shore winds. The week after that shows a slight bump on Monday 10 August – 7 ft from the ENE but period only 7 seconds, cross-shore wind, and the surf is poor. Not recommended.

Best bet: Wednesday 29 July afternoon. Clear sky, NNE 9 mph cross-offshore, 8 ft ENE at 11 seconds, strong energy (1812), and clean. Expert only. If you’re not an expert, Tuesday 28 July afternoon is your next best – 7 ft, cross-offshore, but still moderate difficulty.

Otherwise, there are long gaps of mediocrity, especially from 31 July through 5 August and most of the second week. Stay hopeful, forecasts change.

Rusty

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