Cactus Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Rusty here, looking at what’s coming down the line for Cactus. This is a reef break that fires best on a SW swell, and we’ve got plenty of that in the forecast, but it’s gonna be a mixed bag of conditions.

The first few days are a write-off, sorry to say. Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th, we’ve got messy wind and poor surf. The swell is there, but it’s blown out, just not worth paddling out for. We’re looking at a gap of two days of dud surf before things start to turn.

Wednesday the 29th, the swell is pumping up to 8ft from the SW, with a period of 16 seconds – that’s proper groundswell energy. But the wind is still a cross-shore mess, making it a marginal session. The combined energy is strong (2868), but the onshore chop is going to spoil it. Not the day to get excited.

Now, Thursday the 30th – this is the standout. The wind switches to a light offshore from the NE, 9 mph, glassy conditions. The swell is a solid 5ft from the SW, 13-second period. The energy is moderate (809), but it’s going to be clean as a whistle. This is the best on offer in the 16-day window. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Friday the 31st, the swell drops a bit to 3ft, but the wind stays light and cross-offshore. It’s clean, but the waves will be small. The energy is weak (417). Could be a fun board for a longboard, but nothing to scream about.

Saturday the 1st of August, the swell picks up again to 4ft with a very long 19-second period. That’s a deep groundswell. The wind is moderate cross-offshore, keeping it clean. The energy is moderate (1136). This is a solid option, but that long period might make the reef break and point breaks shine more than a beach. A good day for intermediate surfers.

Sunday the 2nd, we’re back to onshore wind, ruining the 6ft swell. Skip it. Monday the 3rd, the wind is cross-shore, and the swell is 6ft, but it’s lumpy and choppy. Another day to stay home.

Tuesday the 4th, the morning brings a great offshore wind from the ENE, 16 mph, and a 4ft SW swell. Clean and fun. The energy is weak (579), but the conditions make it worthwhile. Wednesday the 5th, the morning is also good: offshore wind from the E, 12 mph, and a 4ft swell with a 16-second period. Energy is moderate (710). Another clean session.

The second week gets messy. From Thursday the 6th onwards, the wind picks up and the surf quality drops. The swell is there, but it gets blown out by strong cross-offshore or onshore winds. By Sunday the 9th, we’re looking at 10ft of messy, onshore wind-swell from the WSW. That’s big, but it’s a total mess. The energy is very strong (3413), but it’s not for paddle surfing – this setup is more interesting for kite surfing.

The last day in the window, Tuesday the 11th, the wind turns clean again with a moderate offshore breeze from the NE and a 5ft SW swell. The energy is moderate (1011). It’s a marginal but promising end to the run.

Best bet? Thursday the 30th. Clean, glassy, solid swell. Get it while it’s good.

Rusty.

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