Cactus Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s break down the surf at Cactus. We’ve got a solid run of clean, solid swell coming up, but it’s not for everyone. The water temp is about normal for this time of year.

The first real action kicks off on Sunday the 5th of July, and it’s a cracker for experienced surfers only. We’re looking at a solid 6ft SW groundswell with a 17-second period—that’s a heap of power (2191). The wind is a clean offshore from the ENE, 12 mph, keeping those waves lined up and glassy. This is top-tier, heavy reef surf. Afternoon holds at 6ft SW, still offshore, still clean. If you’ve got the skills, this is your session.

Monday the 6th eases back to 4ft SW, clean enough, but the wind is cross-offshore, so not as perfect. Energy drops to 536.

Tuesday the 7th sees a return to cleaner conditions with a light ENE offshore, 4ft SW and a nicer 15-second period. Good shape, good energy (525). Afternoon is cross-off but still clean.

Wednesday the 8th is another standout—6ft SW, 17-second groundswell, strong energy (1710), and super clean with a light breeze. This is excellent, powerful reef surf for experienced surfers. Crowds are sometimes, so expect company.

Thursday the 9th drops to 4ft SW, clean in the morning, but by the afternoon the wind swings cross-onshore with rain showers. Gets messy.

Friday the 10th is marginal. 4ft SW, cross-shore and cross-onshore, creating chop.

Saturday the 11th is a write-off. Strong onshore winds, 19 to 22 mph, lumpy and poor.

Sunday the 12th sees another pulse of 7ft SW but it’s still cross-onshore and messy. Lots of energy (1703) but the wind spoils it.

Monday the 13th is mixed. Morning is ok with light cross-shore wind and 5ft SW, but the afternoon ramps up to 8ft SW with a 20-second period—huge, long-period groundswell (4600). That’s a monster wave but the cross-onshore wind adds some chop. Only for experts, and it’s a bit rough.

Tuesday the 14th through to Wednesday the 15th sees solid swell but poor wind continues.

Thursday the 16th of July is a nice little surprise. Morning is glassy, 4ft SW, 14-second period, and clean as a whistle (623). That’s a lovely session for intermediates. Best of the second week.

Friday the 17th drops right off. Only 2ft SW, cross-shore and messy. Poor surf.

Saturday the 18th brings 7ft SW but strong cross-onshore winds, making it choppy.

Sunday the 19th sees the biggest swell of the whole forecast—8ft SW, 17-second period, and a massive 6647 energy reading. That’s a monster. The wind is only a light cross-shore, so it’s cleaner than it could be, but this is still only for experts. Could be a standout for the hardcore crew if the wind stays light, but it’s a long way out.

Monday the 20th drops to 7ft SW, still cross-onshore and a bit lumpy.

So, the standout is easily Sunday the 5th and Wednesday the 8th for clean, powerful, long-period SW groundswell with offshore wind. For the second week, Thursday the 16th is the one to aim for if you want clean, manageable waves. Big stuff on the 19th is one for the experienced, but keep an eye on the wind.

Rusty out.

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