Cactus Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk surf at Cactus. We’ve got a good run ahead, starting with some clean, lined-up swell right from the get-go.

The pattern kicks off Monday the 17th of August. That morning you’ve got a nice 0.8m SW groundswell riding a long 16-second period. Wind’s light offshore, so it’s glassy and clean. Water temp is a normal 62°F, nothing weird. Energy’s moderate at 527, but the quality is high for the size. It’s a fun, small-wave session.

Monday afternoon bumps to 1.1m, same sweet period, still clean. Tuesday morning the wind gets a bit stronger at 30 km/h from the north-northeast, still cross-off, so it’s rideable but not as pristine. Tuesday afternoon goes cross-shore and the waves get a little lumpy – better to have had your fill before then.

Wednesday the 19th is a write-off with onshore wind. Thursday the 20th morning has a moment of glass with a 1.0m SW swell and light cross-off – worth a look. But the big standout is Friday the 21st.

Friday morning is the real deal. Clean 1.7m SW groundswell, 17-second period, light cross-off breeze. The combined energy is 1663 – that’s solid, powerful surf. It’s getting into expert territory size-wise, but for those with the skills, it’s going to be an absolute ripper. The reef will be holding beautifully. Crowds are possible here sometimes, so get in early.

Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd keep the momentum with 2–1.6m SW swells and clean mornings. Energy holds strong in the 1000-1100 range – these are great sessions for experienced surfers.

Monday the 24th drops to smaller 0.7–0.9m, still clean. Nice recovery day.

Then we hit a lull from Tuesday the 25th through Wednesday the 26th with rising winds and poor surf. The 26th has 45 km/h offshore gusts and heavy rain – that’s more of a kite day than a paddle day.

Now, from Thursday the 27th, it ramps back up. Thursday afternoon jumps to 1.7m with energy at 2846 – that’s strong. Friday the 28th morning brings a 1.6m swell with a massive 19-second period and moderate cross-off breeze. Energy is 1876. This is another standout: long-period groundswell, perfect for the reef but walled up on the beach. It’s for experts only, and it’s clean. This one’s about a week and a half out, so keep watching the forecasts.

Saturday the 29th is smaller and more cross-shore, then Sunday the 30th morning fires again with a 1.6m WSW swell, light offshore, and energy at 1139 – a clean finish to the month.

Monday the 1st of September brings onshore wind and messy conditions, ending the run.

Your two best bets: Friday the 21st (closer, reliable) and Friday the 28th (bigger potential, less certain). Cactus is looking good.

Rusty.

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