Arrawarra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, I'm Rusty. Let's have a look at what's on offer for Arrawarra over the next 16 days.

We're in for a bit of a mixed bag, but there's a standout session that's worth planning around if you're an experienced surfer. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no need to worry about a wetsuit thickness change.

The forecast kicks off on Saturday, 18th July, but it's a rough start. Solid 6ft to 8ft ESE swell rolling in, but that 22 to 25 mph south wind is going to make it a battle. The combined energy (702 to 1388) is moderate to strong, but the period is short at 8 to 9 seconds, so it's all wind-affected chop. Not one for the paddle.

Sunday, 19th July, is a write-off. The swell jumps to 12ft from the ESE, still with a short 10-second period, but the cross-off wind from the SSE at 22 mph keeps it messy. The energy is very strong (2755 to 2184), but it's only for the brave or the foolish.

Monday, 20th July, is a slight improvement. The swell drops to 7ft to 8ft from the E and ESE, period still at 10 seconds. The wind eases to a 12 mph SSE cross-off, and the energy is moderate (1029 to 1053). It's still marginal, though.

Now, Tuesday, 21st July, is where we get a little glimpse. The morning has 5ft of E swell, 10-second period, with a light 6 mph south offshore wind. The energy is moderate (532) and the forecast says "expect very good surf conditions." This is the cleanest window of the first week, but it's small. By the afternoon, the wind swings to the east and the waves drop to 5ft, so the morning is the call.

From Wednesday, 22nd July, through to Friday, 24th July morning, it's a slow grind. The swell drops to 4ft and then 3ft, with periods of 8 to 9 seconds. The energy is weak (212 down to 102). The wind is light and variable, sometimes cross-off, but it's just not enough to get excited about.

Then, on Friday, 24th July morning, the combo comes together. There's a 7ft SSE swell, 9-second period, with a clean 12 mph south offshore wind. The energy is strong (1093) and the forecast says "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers." This is the standout of the first week. The size is over 5ft, so it's for the more advanced crew, and the offshore wind will have it peeling clean.

After that, the surf drops right off. From Saturday, 25th July, right through to Thursday, 30th July, the swell is tiny, mostly under 3ft, with periods as low as 7 seconds. The energy is weak (120 or less). There's a glassy moment on Sunday, 26th July morning, and again on the 28th and 29th, but with only 1ft to 3ft of swell, it's barely a ripple.

We hit a gap of about 5 days with no real surf.

Then, on Friday, 31st July, the game changes. The morning brings 5ft of S swell, 9-second period, glassy conditions with a light SSW wind. The energy is moderate (400). By the afternoon, a 12ft S swell arrives with a long 12-second period, and the energy is very strong (4757). The wind is light and cross from the ESE, so it will be a bit bumpy, but that's a lot of water moving.

Saturday, 1st August, is the big one. The morning has 7ft of SSE swell, a long 12-second period, and glassy conditions with a light NW wind. The energy is very strong (1434), and the forecast says "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers." This is the other standout. The size is over 8ft, so it's experts only, but clean, glassy waves at Arrawarra point with that long-period groundswell is a rare treat. The period is over 11 seconds, so it will have good shape and energy, but the long period means it might break a bit straight at the beach, so the point itself will be your best bet.

Sunday, 2nd August, morning holds a 6ft SSE swell, 10-second period, with a light cross-off wind and clean conditions. The energy is moderate (765), and the forecast says "expect very good surf conditions." It's a solid, clean day to finish the run.

So, to wrap it up: the first week has a decent window on Friday, 24th July morning for the experienced crew. The second week builds to a real standout on Saturday, 1st August morning, with glassy, powerful, long-period swell. Keep an eye on that one, but remember, it's a long-range call, so it's promising but not set in stone.

Rusty.

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