Ammonias Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer for Ammonias over the next couple of weeks.

First up, I gotta be straight with you: the start of this window is a bit of a write-off. Wednesday the 22nd through Thursday the 23rd is a right mess – cross-onshore winds, lumpy, choppy, and just not worth paddling out for. The swell is tiny and weak, with combined energy around 1054 to 1142, but the wind is just ruining any chance of a clean wave. You’re better off staying on the beach.

Friday the 24th sees a jump in size, but it’s a rough one. The morning brings 7ft of swell from the ENE, but with a period of only 7 seconds – that’s short-period wind chop, not groundswell. The wind is cross-onshore and choppy, and the combined energy is 1117. It’s messy, and honestly, this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing. The afternoon is a bit smaller at 6ft, but still short period and cross-shore, so it’s marginal at best.

Saturday the 25th is probably the best of a bad bunch, but that’s not saying much. The morning has 7ft from the ENE at 8 seconds (still short period), with cross-shore winds and a combined energy of 1324. The afternoon cleans up a little with a clearer sky and a 3ft SSW swell at a much better 18 seconds, but it’s cross-shore and still only marginal. The combined energy is 1301. If you’re desperate, the afternoon might offer a few longer lines from the SSW groundswell, but it’s not going to be a classic.

Sunday the 26th and Monday the 27th are much of the same: 3ft to 4ft of SSW or E swell, periods around 14 to 16 seconds, but cross-shore winds keep it from being clean. The combined energy is still strong (over 1100), but the wind is just not doing us any favours. The waves are there, but the quality isn’t.

Tuesday the 28th and Wednesday the 29th are the closest we get to a standout. The swell hangs around 5ft to 6ft from the east, with periods of 12 to 13 seconds, and the wind drops to a gentle breeze. The combined energy is between 1023 and 1146, which is moderate wave energy. The wind is cross-shore, not offshore, but it’s a lot cleaner than the earlier part of the week. The afternoon of Tuesday the 28th gets a score of 3, and the morning of Wednesday the 29th also gets a 3 – that’s the best we’ll see. The break is a reef, so it will handle the long-period swell (12-13 seconds) better than a beach break, but it’s still *fairly consistent*, not a guarantee. Crowds are *often* a thing here, so expect company.

After that, Thursday the 30th sees a drop-off. The swell gets smaller, the combined energy plummets to 318 by the afternoon, and the wind goes light cross-onshore. It’s not great. From Friday the 31st of July through to Sunday the 2nd of August, it’s back to poor conditions: fresh cross-shore winds, lumpy, and combined energy under 700. The swell is a mix of small SSW and short-period ENE, all with poor surf quality.

Monday the 3rd of August brings a bit of hope with 3ft to 7ft of ENE swell, but the period is short (8 seconds) and the wind is moderate cross-shore. The combined energy is 1030, so there’s some push, but the quality is still only marginal. Tuesday the 4th and Wednesday the 5th of August are similar: 5ft to 6ft from the ENE, periods improving to 12 seconds by Wednesday, and combined energy up to 1271. The wind stays cross-shore, so it’s rideable, but not clean. Thursday the 6th of August is the last day in the window, with 5ft of ENE swell at 10 seconds and combined energy of 837, but again, cross-shore wind.

So, for the best on offer: I’d point you to the Tuesday 28th afternoon and Wednesday 29th morning at Ammonias. The swell is 5ft to 6ft from the east, period 12-13 seconds, with gentle cross-shore winds. The combined energy is moderate (1023-1146). It’s not an offshore paradise, but it’s the cleanest we’re going to get. The swell direction is from the east, and the optimum direction for this break is SSE, so it’s not a perfect match, but it’s workable. For a reef break, those longer periods will give you some shape. Just be aware it’s *fairly consistent*, not pumping, and crowds are likely.

Honestly, if you’re looking for flawless, this isn’t it. But if you’re keen and the wind plays nice, you’ll get a few.

Rusty.

Read more