Cape Paterson Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, lookin’ at the next couple of weeks for our patch. Bit of a slow start, so don’t rush out just yet. There’s a gap from now until the first decent-looking surf, so hang tight. We’ve got a mix of clean-up calls and proper swell windows if you’re patient.

The first real sign of life shows up on Sunday the 23rd, but it’s marginal – a 8ft SW swell at 14 seconds with a moderate cross-shore wind. It’s not gonna be perfect, and the tide might play games, so keep expectations low. Monday the 24th is a write-off, with a drop in size and poor conditions. Then we hit Tuesday the 25th – and that’s where it starts to get interesting. Tuesday morning brings clean conditions with a light easterly cross-off breeze and a 6ft SW swell (13 seconds). The combined energy sits at 1095 (moderate energy), and the water’s running at 57°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. That’s a nice little surprise. The break itself is Cape Paterson, a beach and reef setup, advanced level. SW is exactly what this spot wants, and Tuesday morning and afternoon both look clean and punchy with very good surf conditions. This is the first standout of the period.

Wednesday the 26th morning keeps the clean run going – 5ft WSW swell (14 seconds), light NW cross-off, and good energy (1095). But the afternoon turns to junk with a cross-shore, so make the most of the early session.

Now, mark your calendar for Friday the 28th. This is the best on offer across the whole outlook. Friday morning delivers a solid 7ft WSW groundswell with a very long 17-second period, light offshore NNE wind at only 6 mph, and clean conditions. The combined energy is pumping at 2581 (strong). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The long period means you’ll get proper, powerful waves with good shape, but at this size (over 7ft), it’s for the crew who know what they’re doing. The offshore wind will keep it glassy. Friday afternoon stays strong with a 7ft swell (16 seconds) and light cross-off, still excellent quality.

Saturday the 29th morning has a glassy 5ft swell (14 seconds) with no wind, but there’s light rain around. It’s a decent option but nothing like Friday. After that, the energy slowly winds down into early September. There’s a bit of a lull from Saturday afternoon right through until Tuesday the 1st of September. Tuesday morning the 1st looks promising again – 6ft SW swell (16 seconds), light ENE cross-off, clean, and combined energy at 1696 (moderate to strong). That could be another good session, but it’s further out so we’ll see.

The second week is more sketchy. Wednesday the 2nd is okay but marginal. Thursday the 3rd is a write-off with fresh breezes. Friday the 4th has a short-period 8-second windswell with cross-onshore winds – that’s messy and not worth your time. Saturday the 5th has some long-period SW swell (17 seconds) but with strong offshore NNW winds up to 22 mph, so it’ll be clean but blown flat in the lineup – marginal at best.

All in all, the standout is definitely Friday the 28th – if you can get out, that’s the session. Tuesday the 25th and Tuesday the 1st of September are the other windows to keep an eye on. Stay patient.

Rusty.

Read more