Black Rocks Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab your wettie, we’re dialling into this one. Let’s talk about Black Rocks.

First up, that water temp is sitting at 58.5°, which is a touch under a degree and a half cooler than average for this time of year – nothing wild, just a bit of a bite to it. You’ll want the booties if you’re spending a session out there.

Right now, we’re looking at a bit of a slow start. The first real call is Friday afternoon, the 17th of July. It’s not a world-beater, but it’s a solid starting point. Swell is 5 feet out of the SW with a 10-second period, and the wind is a light offshore from the WSW. That’s clean. The combined energy is moderate (448). The waves will have some shape, but it’s an inconsistent break, so you’ll be waiting for the sets. It’s an advanced spot, and it is often crowded, so expect company.

Moving into Saturday morning the 18th, the swell drops a touch to 4 feet, still SW, but the wind is a light cross-offshore from the NNW. Still clean. The energy picks up a bit (531). Saturday afternoon sees a little more size at 4.3 feet, but the wind freshens to a moderate cross-off, and the energy is stronger (615). It’s rideable, but not as clean as the morning.

Sunday the 19th is a mixed bag. Morning is lumpy with a cross-off breeze and 4.3 feet swell, but the period jumps to 12 seconds. That’s a nice groundswell, but the wind is a bit chunky (596 energy). The real highlight on Sunday is the afternoon: 5.2 feet SW swell, 11-second period, and a cross-off wind from the south. The energy is solid (601). That’s the best of the weekend.

Now, Monday morning the 20th – glassy. Dead calm, 4.3 feet SSW swell, 9-second period. The energy is a bit weaker (356), but with zero wind, it’s going to be smooth as silk. This is a solid window for the more experienced surfer who wants clean lines.

The standout window of the whole run is Tuesday the 21st. Morning starts with glassy conditions, some clouds, 4.3 feet SSW swell, and a very long 14-second period. The energy is pumping (671). That’s a proper groundswell. This reef will handle that long period beautifully. The afternoon is even better: 6.2 feet SW swell, 14-second period, and a clean offshore wind from the west. The energy is strong (1285). This is the pick of the trip. The waves will have serious push and shape. It’s an advanced spot, so this is for the crew who can handle it.

Wednesday the 22nd gets messy. The morning is a write-off with 22 mph cross-off winds and rain. The swell is still 6.2 feet, but the wind is howling. The afternoon has 6.9 feet swell and a fresh offshore from the WNW, but the wind is still strong (19 mph). It’s clean, but it’s pushing hard. This is borderline for experts only.

Thursday the 23rd is a step down. Wind is moderate cross-off, swell drops to 5.9 feet, and the energy is good (847), but it’s not the same quality as Tuesday.

Friday the 24th of July – the swell jumps to a solid 10 feet out of the SW, with a 15-second period. That’s a significant groundswell, and the energy is very strong (3432). The problem is the wind is cross-on from the SE. It’s going to be lumpy and tough. This is expert-only territory, and honestly, it looks more interesting for a kite session than a paddle session. The morning is a little better than the afternoon, which is blowing up with 12 mph winds (4313 energy).

Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th are blown out. Strong to gale-force cross-onshore winds, big messy swell. Saturday has 7.5 feet and 5.2 feet, but the wind is brutal. Sunday is a monster: 14.8 feet and 11.5 feet swells with near gale winds. Stay out of the water.

Monday the 27th of July is interesting. The morning is a marginal 5.9 feet with a light onshore breeze. But the afternoon – that’s a gem. Glassy conditions, 4.9 feet SSW swell, and a very long 16-second period. The energy is strong (1850). This is excellent for experienced surfers. The sets will be clean, powerful, and long. This is a serious late-period highlight.

The tail end of the run, from Tuesday the 28th through to the 1st of August, fades out. Swell drops to 4.6 feet and below, wind becomes cross-off or cross-on, and the energy drops. There are some clean windows on the 29th and 30th mornings with small SW swell and long periods, but the size is too small for anything exciting.

Overall, the best on offer is Tuesday the 21st of July – that combination of 6.2 feet SW groundswell, 14-second period, and offshore wind is a winner. The second standout is Monday afternoon

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