Cape Paterson Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag coming up for our local stretch. The first week is looking pretty grim, but there’s a real glimmer of something special in the second week if you’ve got the patience for it.

The next few days are a write-off. A big, raw SW swell hits Wednesday afternoon the 29th of July, with a massive 13ft swell and gusty onshore winds making it a total mess. The combined energy is a massive 7905, but it’s all for nothing. We’re looking at a solid gap of poor conditions right through until late in the week.

Things finally start to look a little more human around Friday morning the 31st. We’ll see the swell drop to a cleaner 4ft from the SW, with a light NW cross-offshore wind. The combined energy is down to 491, and it’s looking clean. Not a standout, but a step in the right direction.

The real action, and the one to circle on your calendar, is Saturday afternoon the 1st of August. Cape Paterson is looking like the pick of the week. The swell will be a solid 5ft from the SW, but the wind is forecast to go glassy – dead calm. The swell period is a very long 18 seconds, which is proper groundswell energy. The combined energy of all swells is 1488, a nice moderate punch. For a sheltered spot like this, that long period SW groundswell with glassy conditions is about as good as it gets. The water temp is sitting at 57°, which is about 2° warmer than normal for this time of year, so it’s a touch more pleasant than you’d expect. It’s fairly consistent here, but keep in mind it can get a few people out there sometimes.

The next few days hold some clean but smaller options. Sunday morning the 2nd has 6ft SW swell with a clean NW cross-offshore, and the energy is still solid at 1528. The following week starts to get a bit messy again with stronger winds and choppy conditions, so don’t get your hopes up for the Monday or Tuesday.

Now, for the patient ones. If you’re an expert, look ahead to Tuesday the 11th of August. The swell is predicted to be way too big for this break, with a 15ft to 16ft WSW swell. The combined energy is a staggering 3474 and then 11347. That’s a massive amount of water moving. The wind is light and glassy, but the sheer size means it’s only for the experienced crew.

The real monster, though, is Wednesday the 12th of August. This is a long-range standout, so don’t bank on it just yet, but if it comes together it’ll be the set of the season. We’re looking at a 13ft WSW swell with a 16-second period and NE offshore winds in the morning. The combined energy is a massive 15127. That is extreme. It’s going to be a heavy, powerful, and very clean wave. This is for experts only. The afternoon glass-off is just as big at 12ft, and equally clean. This is a true highlight if you’ve got the skills and the hunger.

After that, the swell backs off, but it stays clean. Thursday the 13th has a nice 7ft WSW swell with a light offshore, and the energy is still a solid 1874. A good finisher to the run.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a dud. The standout is Saturday afternoon the 1st of August for the clean, glassy, long-period groundswell. And for the brave, keep an eye on Wednesday the 12th of August for a massive, clean, expert-only swell.

Rusty.

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