Cape Paterson Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, it's Rusty here with a look at what's heading our way for Cape Paterson. The next couple of weeks are a mixed bag – we've got some real promise but plenty of wind-battered days to wade through too.

The best run starts Sunday afternoon, August 16th, with a clean 5 ft SW swell, period a solid 14 seconds giving the waves some real shape. The water's sitting at 56°F, which is pretty average for the time of year. Wind is a cross-off from the SE at 9 mph, and the combined energy is moderate, reading 991. The offshore direction from the NE is the go-to for clean conditions here, so while that's not what's blowing, it's still tidy.

Monday, August 17th, holds similar energy but be wary of iffy tides. Morning is cross-off with a 5 ft SW swell (period 14s, energy 777), but the afternoon picks up with a solid 5 ft SW swell and a longer period of 16 seconds, energy jumping to 1271. That longer period groundswell will mean more power and longer lulls between sets. The wind gets grunty though – ESE at 15 mph – so not as clean as you'd want.

Now Tuesday, August 18th, is where it gets interesting. The morning is a standout in this outlook: light offshore ENE breeze at 6 mph, perfect for grooming that 4 ft WSW swell. With a period of 14 seconds and moderate energy at 789, the break should be clean and punchy. The afternoon holds similar vibes with a 4 ft SW swell, cross-off wind, and energy of 589. This is the pick of the first week for sure.

After that, it gets patchy. Wednesday the 19th sees the swell drop to under 3 ft, with poor conditions. The whole period from Wednesday afternoon through to Monday August 24th is a write-off. Swell sticks around between 4 ft and 8 ft at times, but the wind is relentless – mostly cross and onshore, sometimes gusting 15-22 mph, even up to 34 mph. That 8 ft WSW swell on Saturday August 22nd would be intimidating, but with onshore wind and strong energy (3062), it's a mess.

There's a small window on the morning of Friday, August 28th. It's glassy – wind straight from the east at just 3 mph. The swell is a tiny 2 ft, but it's a very long-period SW groundswell at 19 seconds. Energy is moderate at 488. That long-period groundswell will wrap around but at beach breaks it might close out, so think about the reefs and points. Worth a look for a longboard if you're patient.

Then we hit the true highlight of the whole outlook. Saturday, August 29th morning: clear skies, light offshore NNW breeze at 6 mph, and a solid 7 ft WSW swell. The period is 13 seconds, and the combined energy is strong at 1799. This one has quality written all over it – big, clean, and very promising. It's a big wave though, over 8 ft is only for experts, so 7 ft is still pushing it for beginners. You'll want to be comfortable out there. Crowds can pop up here sometimes, so get in early.

The rest of the month fades into windy, northwesterly slop. By the end of the month, it's onshore and messy again.

So, to sum it up: don't bother with the middle of the week. Your best shots are Tuesday morning the 18th and Saturday morning the 29th. The 29th has the size and the wind, the 18th has the cleanliness and a bit less swell.

This is Rusty, signing off.

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