Anzacs Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Looks like we’ve got a bit of a slow start, but the second half of the week and into the following week is where the real juice is. The first few days are a bit average, so hang tight. The standout window is definitely Friday the 28th of August through to Monday the 31st of August, with some serious groundswell and clean conditions.

Monday the 24th is a write-off. Anzacs is seeing a messy 4ft to 4ft SW swell, but the wind is cross or cross-off, and the wave comment says it’s marginal. The combined energy is moderate (581), but it’s just not well-shaped. Tuesday morning the 25th offers a glimmer with a 4ft SW swell and light offshore ENE wind at 6 mph, giving clean conditions. The energy is moderate (539) and the wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions,” but it’s still a bit small. Tuesday afternoon turns cross-on, so don’t get too excited.

Wednesday the 26th is a full write-off with onshore wind and poor conditions. Thursday the 27th morning sees a small 3ft SW swell with cross-off NNW wind, clean but small. Thursday afternoon goes glassy with 3ft SW swell – a nice little session if you’re desperate, but nothing to write home about.

Now, Friday the 28th of August – this is the first true standout. Morning has a 4ft SW groundswell (18-second period, very long period) with cross-off NW wind, and the combined energy jumps to strong (1260). The wave comment says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That long period means the waves will have heaps of energy and long gaps between sets, making paddling out easier, but at a beach break, it might be a bit straight. It’s better suited for a point or reef, but if you’re experienced, it’s still a goer. Friday afternoon goes glassy with a 5ft SW swell (17-second period) and energy at 1484 – even better. The wind is dead calm, so the surface will be perfect. This is the pick of the whole forecast.

Saturday the 29th morning is glassy again with a 4ft SW swell (14 seconds) and moderate energy (598), "expect very good surf conditions." The crowd factor is “sometimes” at Anzacs, so expect a few others out, but it’s worth it. Saturday afternoon turns cross-on, so morning is the move.

Sunday the 30th morning is glassy with a small 3ft SW swell (13 seconds), clean but tiny. Monday the 31st of August morning is a solid 6ft SW groundswell (17 seconds) with cross-off N wind, and the energy is very strong (1766). The wave comment says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That’s a big swell, over 5ft, so it’s too big for beginners, and at 6ft, it’s getting into expert territory. The long period again means good shape but be mindful of the beach break straightness.

After that, the first week of September sees a drop in quality. Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd have 4ft SW swell but cross-shore winds and marginal conditions. Wednesday afternoon the 2nd goes glassy with 4ft SW swell, a decent little session. Thursday the 3rd and Friday the 4th blow up with strong winds (19 mph) and poor surf, with energy dropping off. Saturday the 5th has cross-off winds and 5ft SW swell, but it’s still marginal. Sunday the 6th through to Tuesday the 8th of September is a total mess – near gale force winds, lumpy cross-chop, and poor conditions across the board. The swell is there (4ft to 6ft) but the wind wrecks it.

Water temperature at Anzacs is 56°F, which is about 2°F above the long-term average for this time of year – so it’s a touch warmer than usual, but you’ll still want a good wetsuit.

Right, the real highlight is Friday the 28th and Monday the 31st of August. If you’re experienced, those are your days. The long period groundswell will give you clean, powerful lines, especially if you can find a point or reef. For the rest, keep an eye on the forecasts, but the first week of September looks like a write-off.

Rusty.

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