Antigues Cape Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming for Antigues Cape.

Honestly, this 16-day forecast is a tough one. From Thursday, August 20, all the way through to early September, the waves are mostly small, running from about 3 ft to 8 ft, and the wind just won’t cooperate. For a reef break that needs a clean offshore breeze, we’re getting hammered by cross-off winds out of the east and east-southeast nearly every day. That’s gonna make things bumpy and frustrating.

We’ve got a big gap right at the start – nothing worth paddling out for. The first few days are all poor conditions. Thursday morning, August 20, sees 5 ft from the east, but a 22 mph cross-off wind is howling, and the combined swell energy is only 292 (moderate). It’s messy, not worth your time.

Thursday afternoon, August 20, we get a rare blink of offshore wind at 16 mph, with 5 ft east swell at 8 seconds. The energy is 285 (moderate). It’s still marginal, and the tide might be playing tricks on us, but if you were desperate, this is the only time that afternoon where it might be clean enough for a few grovelly ones.

Friday, August 21, through Monday, August 24, is more of the same – 4 ft to 5 ft, cross-off or offshore winds, but the quality never lifts. The few moments labelled “surfable” still feel ordinary.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The standout, the only one that has me perking up, is Tuesday, August 25. Sure, the morning and afternoon are both marked poor, but look at the energy: 468 and 453 (strong wave energy). The swell jumps to 6 ft from the east at 8 seconds. It’s not perfect – still cross-off at 19 mph – but that’s the most push we see all window. If you’re an experienced surfer who doesn’t mind a bit of chop, that’s the day to go out and feel some real power. Beginners, stay clear – 6 ft with these winds is not friendly.

After that, Wednesday, August 26 afternoon offers a glimmer: 5 ft east swell, 8 seconds, offshore wind at 16 mph, and energy of 314 (moderate). The forecast actually says “expect good surf conditions” – the only time in the whole run. That’s your best bet for a clean, fun session. The water temp is sitting at 85°F, which is about 1°F above average for this time of year – feels normal, not unusual.

We then see a building trend from August 27 to August 29, where the swell climbs to 7 ft and then 8 ft (east, 8 to 9 seconds). The energy readings jump to 554, 569, and even 820 (strong to very strong wave energy) by the 29th. But the cross-off winds are relentless at 16 to 19 mph. This is getting big, and for a reef break, with that wind direction, it’s going to be lumpy and only for experts. The 9-second period is still not super long, but it’ll have a bit more punch – though at a beach-and-reef setup, it might break a bit straight.

Heading into the end of August and first days of September, the swell drops back to 3 ft to 4 ft. Energy falls into the weak to moderate range (126 to 260). The wind remains cross-off or offshore, but the waves are too small and weak to get excited about. August 30 morning sees 5 ft at 9 seconds with offshore wind at 19 mph and energy of 477 (strong) – that could be clean and punchy, but the afternoon turns back to cross-off. It’s a fleeting chance.

Best on offer: If I had to pick, it’s Wednesday afternoon, August 26 – 5 ft, offshore, clean, moderate energy, and the only “good surf conditions” call in the whole forecast. The backup is Tuesday, August 25 for the size and power, even if it comes with a side of wind. The morning of August 30 also deserves a shout for clean offshore on a 5 ft groundswell.

This reef is inconsistent at the best of times, and with these persistent cross-off winds, we’re mostly watching the ocean blow out. But hang in there – that afternoon on the 26th could be a little gem.

Rusty.

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