Broken Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, lookin’ at the charts for Broken Head. We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but there’s some serious grunt lined up later on, so don’t write the week off just yet.

The first few days are pretty flat and not worth paddling out for. Tuesday the 28th through to Thursday the 31st of July are a write-off – tiny swell, messy, and the energy is weak (30 to 43). You’re better off getting the wax off your board and waiting.

Friday the 31st of July afternoon shows a little pulse, but it’s only marginal. The swell is 3ft from the SSE with a period of 13 seconds, which is a proper groundswell, but the energy is moderate (219). The wind is cross-off, so it’s clean, but it’s still not pumping. Worth a look if you’re desperate, but I’d hold out.

Now, Saturday the 1st of August is where it starts to get interesting. The morning brings a solid 5ft SSE swell at 10 seconds, with the energy climbing into the strong range (539). The wind is offshore from the SW, so it’s clean. The afternoon holds the same size and direction, with a light cross-off breeze. This is a proper session for the experienced crew – the size is getting up there, and the wave quality is good. Not one for beginners.

Sunday the 2nd of August is a standout. The morning has a 3ft SE swell, but the period is a very long 16 seconds – that’s pure groundswell energy (757). With a light offshore wind, it’s clean, and the longer period means the waves will have shape and power, though it might break a bit straight on the beach. It’s best for the point. The afternoon size bumps to 4ft, and the energy gets even stronger (818), but the wind goes cross-on, so it’s slightly less clean. Still, the morning is the pick.

Monday the 3rd of August is another cracker. The morning delivers 4ft from the SSE, period of 11 seconds, and a gentle offshore wind. The energy is strong (631), and the waves are clean. This is a solid, consistent day for intermediate to advanced surfers.

There’s a bit of a lull on Tuesday the 4th and Wednesday the 5th, with the swell dropping and winds getting stronger. The energy is low (182 to 15), so not worth chasing.

But then, hold onto your board. Thursday the 6th of August morning sees a big 8ft SSE swell, period of 10 seconds, and the energy is absolutely pumping (1315). The wind is fresh offshore from the SSW, so it’s clean, but the size is only for experts. That’s a proper, heavy day. The afternoon drops off quickly.

Friday the 7th of August is still big, with 8ft to 6ft SSE swell, but the wind is cross-off and fresh. The energy is strong (982), but the conditions are marginal. Only for the brave.

The last standout is Saturday the 8th of August morning. The swell is 8ft from the ESE, period of 9 seconds, and the wind is gentle offshore. The energy is extremely strong (1770). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers only – big, clean, and powerful. The afternoon settles to 6ft, still good.

Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th of August are still very good, with 6ft to 7ft ESE and E swells, and gentle offshore winds. The energy is strong (684 to 901). This is a run of quality days.

Then Tuesday the 11th and Wednesday the 12th of August mornings are absolute glass. The swell holds at 6ft to 6ft from the E, period of 11 seconds, and the wind is glassy. The energy is strong (787 to 906). These are the cleanest, most perfect conditions of the whole forecast. The wave quality is excellent, and the glassy surface means it’s a dream out there. The afternoons do get a light cross-on, so make the most of the early sessions.

So, the best on offer? It’s a toss-up between the Sunday the 2nd of August morning for that long-period groundswell with offshore wind, and the Tuesday the 11th and Wednesday the 12th of August mornings for the glassy, clean conditions with solid E swell. If you want power and shape, go for the 2nd. If you want perfection, aim for the 11th or 12th.

The water temp is around 69°F, which is about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Broken Head is a point break, and it’s fairly consistent, so it’s a reliable spot. The crowds can be often, so expect company, especially on the good days. The optimum swell direction is from the ENE, and the swells we’re seeing are mostly from the SSE, SE, E, and ESE, so it’s not a perfect match, but the size and winds make up for it.

Rusty out.

Read more