Arrawarra Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, mate, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what the ocean’s got cooking for us over the next couple of weeks. It’s a bit of a slow burn to start, but there’s a serious pulse of energy coming down the track that’s going to make things very interesting.

The first few days are pretty grim. Sunday and Monday are a write-off with onshore winds and messy, weak surf. We’re looking at 3ft to 5ft of wind-affected slop, and the energy is weak to moderate (185 to 286). You’d be wasting your time paddling out. There’s a gap of a few days here where it’s just not worth it.

Things start to tidy up a little by Tuesday and Wednesday morning, but the swell drops right off to around 2ft to 3ft. It’s clean-ish, but there’s just not enough water moving to be any fun. The wind is mostly cross or light, but the lack of size is the main problem. Still not worth getting wet for.

Now, here’s where it starts to get interesting. From Thursday the 13th and into the weekend, we get a proper push of south swell. Thursday morning sees 5ft of south swell with a gentle offshore wind, and it’s clean. The energy jumps to moderate (364). Friday morning is similar, with 5ft of south-southeast swell and light offshore winds, energy at 435. Saturday the 15th is a standout for this first run: 6ft of south swell, moderate offshore wind, and the energy is pumping at 699. This is the best of the first week. It’s still a bit on the smaller side of good, but it’s clean and has some push.

After that, there’s a bit of a lull in quality. The swell sticks around but the winds get a bit cross-off and the period drops, making things less appealing. The following Monday and Tuesday are small-ish and a bit lumpy. We’re looking at 5ft to 6ft, but the energy is moderate and the winds aren't helping. It’s not terrible, but it’s not the call of the day.

Now, let’s talk about the real deal. Starting Wednesday the 19th, the ocean switches on. The swell builds to 7ft and the energy jumps into the strong zone at 1051. There is a moderate offshore wind, so it’s going to be a proper, powerful, clean day. This is when Arrawarra (New South Wales) starts to show its teeth. This is groundswell territory, a spot that loves an east-southeast pulse. It’s going to be big, powerful and lined up, but at this size, it’s strictly for the experienced crew. Anything over 8ft is experts only, and we’re knocking on the door of that.

Thursday the 20th keeps the energy high with 8ft to 8ft of east-southeast swell and light winds. The energy is strong at 772 to 858. Very good, solid surf.

The highlight of the whole run, though, has to be Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd. Friday morning has 7ft of east-southeast swell with light offshore winds and a huge, strong energy reading of 1120. Saturday morning is just as good, with 7ft and energy at 1031, light offshore winds again. The swell direction is right in the optimum zone for this point break. This is the pick of the bunch. It’s going to be big, clean, and have some serious power behind it. The crowds are likely to be out for this one, but it’s worth it.

Into the second week, the long-range stuff looks promising but less certain. We have a large, long-period east swell due on Sunday the 23rd, with swell heights around 7ft and periods up to 12 seconds. That’s a lot of water moving. However, the winds are due to turn onshore, which will chop it up. There’s potential for an early morning paddle before the wind kicks in, but it’s a gamble. One to keep an eye on, but not a guarantee.

The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there. You’ll still want a good steamer for the dawn patrols.

So, to sum it up: don't bother until Thursday. The first real highlight is Saturday the 15th, but the true standouts are next Friday and Saturday, the 21st and 22nd of August. That’s when the ocean will be doing its best work for us. Be smart out there, it’s going to be serious.

Rusty.

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