Back Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey folks, Rusty here. Let's talk about what's on the table for Back Beach.

Alright, so we've got a solid run of south-west groundswell on the way, but it's a mixed bag. The overall pattern is a strong pulse of energy early, then it settles into a run of very clean, manageable conditions. The standout is definitely the glassy morning sessions mid-week, but we've got a few wildcards to watch out for.

The water temp is sitting at 68°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no need for a thicker wetsuit.

Let's break it down. Thursday the 16th is a write-off – strong 22 mph winds and a big, messy 6 ft to 7 ft swell. The whole day is a scratch. Hang in there.

Friday the 17th morning is where it starts to get interesting. The wind swings light offshore from the NNE at only 3 mph, and we've got a clean 7 ft SW swell with a 13-second period. The combined energy is moderate to strong (1378). That's proper groundswell. It's a touch big for beginners, but for anyone with a bit of experience, this is quality. The afternoon sees the wind pick up to a cross-offshore, so stick to the morning.

Saturday the 18th is a huge one. The swell is forecast to be a heavy 13 ft from the WSW, with energy readings going through the roof (4855, then 8588). That's way too much juice for this stretch. The wind is onshore and ugly. This is not a surfing day – it's a watch-from-the-cliffs day. The sheer power makes it a kite surfer's dream, but for a paddle board, it's a no-go.

Sunday the 19th morning is a redemption session. The swell drops to a still-juicy 8 ft from the WSW, but the wind goes glassy – a perfect 3 mph from the SSW. The energy is still strong (3075), and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is a standout. The 14-second period means long, clean lines, but it's a big wave, so only for the crew with the right gear and experience.

Monday the 20th morning is a beauty. The 7 ft SW swell is still pumping, and again, glassy conditions with 3 mph offshore NW wind. Energy is moderate (1269). This is a very clean, very surfable day. The afternoon is a different story with onshore winds.

Tuesday the 21st morning is another glassy gem. 6 ft of SW swell at 14 seconds, with an ENE offshore breeze. The energy is moderate (1121). This is as good as it gets for a clean, manageable wave. The weak offshore will keep the faces perfect.

Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd mornings both offer 6 ft to 7 ft of clean SW swell with offshore winds. The energy is moderate (around 1192 to 1719). These are solid, consistent days with no crowds forecast. The wave won't be world-class, but it will be very, very fun.

Now, looking into the second week. The run of clean mornings continues, but the swell size backs off. Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th are smaller, around 4 ft to 5 ft. The energy is lower (607 to 1147). Saturday the 25th afternoon has a big 10 ft spike, but with onshore winds, so it's a mess.

Sunday the 26th and Monday the 27th see another big pulse of 12 ft to 8 ft, but with onshore and cross-on winds. These are poor, choppy days. The 12 ft swell on Sunday is dangerous with the wind.

The end of the window, from Tuesday the 29th to Thursday the 31st, looks promising but less certain. The swell hangs around 5 ft to 8 ft, and the winds are cross-offshore. The energy is moderate to strong (1877 to 5657), but these are long-range calls, so take 'em with a pinch of salt. The 30th of July has a 8 ft, 19-second swell with clean winds – that could be a late-summer treat if it holds.

So, the standout pick is the glassy mornings of Sunday the 19th, Monday the 20th, and Tuesday the 21st. The best of the best is Tuesday the 21st morning – 6 ft of SW swell, 14-second period, and glassy offshore. That's the one to circle. For the bigger crew, Sunday the 19th morning is a solid option.

Stay safe, and I'll see you in the water.

Rusty

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