Cape Paterson Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, mates, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s coming for Cape Paterson. The first few days are a bit of a write-off, with the wind just not playing ball. The water temp is about 57°F, which is a touch warmer than usual for this time of year, so that’s something.

We’re looking at Tuesday, the 11th of August. Don’t get your hopes up. It’s cloudy with a fresh cross-shore breeze at 19 mph, and the 5ft WSW swell is all chopped up. The combined energy is moderate (1030), but the conditions are poor. The afternoon wind picks up to 22 mph, and the swell hits 6ft, but it’s still a mess. Wednesday the 12th is worse – a strong breeze at 25 mph and an 8ft swell, but the cross-shore wind makes it a lumpy, messy cross-chop (combined energy 4748). The afternoon clears, but the wind goes cross-onshore, so it’s still no good.

Thursday the 13th brings a solid 10ft WSW groundswell with a long 16-second period, but again, the wind is a problem. Morning has a fresh cross-shore breeze, and the afternoon is cross-onshore. It’s a powerful swell (combined energy 4213), but for an advanced spot like this, the conditions are just marginal. Friday the 14th is more of the same – 8ft swell but onshore and choppy.

Finally, a glimmer of hope on Saturday the 15th. The swell drops to a cleaner 7ft from the SW, period still a solid 15 seconds, and the wind swings light and cross-shore from the SE at just 6 mph. The combined energy is still strong (2233), and while it’s only a marginal call, this is your first real chance for a surfable wave. The afternoon gets a bit cross-onshore, so hit the morning window.

Now, the standout window is Sunday the 16th. The morning is looking golden: clear skies, a gentle offshore breeze from the ENE at 9 mph, and a 6ft SW swell with a 14-second period. The combined energy (1187) is moderate, but that offshore wind will have it clean and lined up. This is the best on offer for the whole forecast. The afternoon stays clean with a cross-offshore wind, but the morning is the pick.

Monday the 17th is still good, with a light offshore in the morning and 5ft swell. Clean, fun-sized waves. Tuesday the 18th has a similar morning with a light offshore, 5ft swell, but a bit longer period. Worth a look.

The rest of the second week gets smaller. Wednesday the 19th has a clean morning with a 3ft WSW swell, but it’s weak. Thursday the 20th is tiny – 3ft – but the afternoon turns glassy. That’s about as clean as it gets, but you’ll be on a longboard.

Friday the 21st sees a bump back up to 5ft with a clean morning, but the wind goes cross-on in the arvo. After that, the wind turns messy again, and the swell drops right off. By the 24th and 25th, we’re looking at knee-high dribble or howling onshore winds. The end of the forecast, on the 26th of August, shows a jump in size – 13ft – but with a short, weak 9-second period and cross-shore winds. That’s more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle session.

So, to wrap it up: if you’re keen, your best bet is Sunday the 16th of August, first light. That offshore wind and clean 6ft swell will be the highlight of the run.

Rusty.

Read more