Cape Paterson Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Gotta be straight with ya—this stretch for Cape Paterson is a mixed bag, but there’s a real gem hiding in there if you’re patient.

The general pattern is a lot of onshore and cross-shore wind mucking things up, with solid swell energy hanging around for the whole run. Water temp is sittin’ around 57°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year—nice for a winter wetsuit session.

Wednesday the 26th kicks off with a solid 5 ft SW swell and a 14-second period, but that strong southwesterly wind at 12 mph is blowin’ straight onshore. Combined wave energy is cranked at 1075 (moderate)—messy, poor surf, so steer clear.

Thursday the 27th morning drops to 4 ft WSW swell, period 12 seconds, with a NW cross-offshore breeze at 9 mph. Energy’s 454 (weak) and it’s only marginal—maybe a sneaky ride if you’re desperate, but nothin’ to write home about.

Friday the 28th sees the swell punch up to 7 ft WSW, period 13 seconds, with a cross-shore NW wind at 16 mph. Energy jumps to 2310 (moderate). Afternoon gets even bigger at 8 ft WSW and a 17-second period, with light onshore SW wind at 6 mph. Wave energy’s 2987 (strong)—still marginal, but the afternoon’s got more grunt. That said, it’s onshore, so expect some chop.

Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th are more of the same: 5 to 6 ft SW swell, periods 12-14 seconds, but winds stay cross-onshore or onshore. Energy’s 935 to 1372 (moderate). Conditions are poor to marginal—keep the board in the car.

Here’s the standout: Monday the 31st afternoon. Glassy conditions with a light SW breeze at 3 mph, swell 6 ft from the SW with a very long 15-second period. Combined energy’s 1313 (moderate). This is the cleanest window in the whole outlook—those long-period lines will wrap in nicely, and with the crowd listed as “sometimes”, you might have it to yourself. Expect good, clean waves. This is your best bet.

Tuesday the 1st of September goes downhill fast—strong NNW winds at 28 mph cross-offshore, swell 5 ft, period 16 seconds, but the wind is howlin’. Energy’s 1074 (moderate). Poor conditions, forget it.

Wednesday the 2nd to Thursday the 3rd stays rough: 6 to 8 ft WSW swell, periods 14-16 seconds, with strong cross or onshore winds. Energy hits 2996 (strong) on Thursday afternoon—big, but lumpy and messy.

Second standout: Friday the 4th. Morning sees 10 ft SW swell with a 17-second period and light onshore SW wind at 6 mph. Energy is 5119 (very strong). Afternoon improves: 10 ft SW swell, 18-second period, still light onshore SW wind, energy at 6126 (very strong). This is big, powerful groundswell—only for experts. That 18-second period means it’ll be bowlin’ at reef and point setups, but at a beach-and-reef spot like Cape Paterson, it might close out. Still, if you’re skilled and can find a channel, it’s a proper session.

Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th taper off: 6 to 7 ft SW swell, periods 13-16 seconds, with cross-shore or cross-onshore winds. Marginal at best.

Monday the 7th through Wednesday the 9th see swell hangin’ around 5 to 8 ft, but winds are strong and onshore—poor. Thursday the 10th finishes with 10 ft WSW swell and 15-16 second period, light winds, but still cross-onshore. Marginal.

So bottom line: if you can only paddle out once, make it Monday the 31st afternoon for the glassy, clean conditions. If you’re a charger, Friday the 4th is your big-wave day, but only for the brave. The rest of the run is a struggle against the wind.

Rusty.

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