Back Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s shaping up at Back Beach.

Alright, straight up – the next couple of weeks are a mixed bag. We’ve got some solid, clean windows early on, but things get real big and messy in the second week. If you’re a seasoned local, you’ll be on it early. For the rest of the run, you’ll be watching from the carpark or dodging the wind.

The water temp is sitting at 68°F, which is about bang on the average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

First real shout is Tuesday 28 July. The morning is cross-off with a 8ft SW swell rolling in from 14 seconds – that’s a proper groundswell. The energy is strong (2,202), but it’s a touch on the bigger side for beginners. The afternoon cleans up nicely with a lighter breeze, still 7ft from the SW. It’s solid, clean, and the crowds can be around sometimes – but it’s worth it.

Wednesday 29 July is the standout. Glassy clear skies, a 16 mph NE offshore wind in the morning, and a 6ft WSW swell with a 17-second period. That’s a long-period groundswell, meaning smooth lines and good shape. The energy is pumping (2,226). Afternoon is even cleaner with a light cross-off breeze and 7ft swell. This is the best on offer – don’t miss it.

Thursday 30 July is smaller, with 5ft and 5ft through the day, still clean but the energy is moderate (1,438). A good backup day if you missed Wednesday.

Friday 31 July morning looks clean with a 7ft WSW swell, 16-second period, and light NW wind. But the afternoon jumps to 10ft – that’s too big for most, and it’s cross-on. Keep it for the experts only.

Saturday 1 August hangs in the 10ft range all day with cross-shore winds. That’s big, powerful (3,517), and not for the faint-hearted. More of a show than a go.

Sunday 2 August brings a nice drop back to 8ft in the morning with a 16 mph NE offshore wind – clean and manageable. The afternoon is even better with a 6 mph ENE breeze and 7ft swell. A solid day for experienced surfers.

Monday 3 August is a step down: 6ft to 5ft with clean conditions, but the energy is weaker (1,176). A workable session if you’re keen.

Now, from Tuesday 4 August onwards, things get hairy. The swell jumps to 13ft with a 19 mph onshore wind in the afternoon – that’s a mess. Wednesday 5 August morning sees a 16ft WSW swell and glassy conditions, but it’s purely for the elite. The energy is massive (13,032). After that, it’s a run of 10ft to 18ft with strong onshore winds, rain, and blown-out conditions until Monday 11 August. The set-up is more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing during that stretch.

There’s a gap of quiet days from late Tuesday 11 August into Wednesday 12 August, when the swell drops to 5ft and 4ft with clean winds, but the energy is low (586). It’s a small, marginal finish.

So, the pick of the entire run? Wednesday 29 July – long-period groundswell, offshore wind, and clean all day. Get it while it’s good.

Rusty.

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