Cape Schanck Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a look at the coming surf for Cape Schanck.

We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag ahead, but there are some real gems hiding in the forecast. The first decent surf kicks off on Tuesday afternoon, 18 August, with a clean 4ft southwest swell rolling in at 14 seconds – that’s proper groundswell energy. The wind is a light cross-off from the ENE at 6 mph, and the water temp is sitting at 57°, which is about a degree warmer than usual for this time of year. Combined wave energy is moderate at 672. This is a standout session for the experienced crew: the reef setup at Cape Schanck will handle that long-period SW swell beautifully, and the light breeze will keep it glassy. Expect very good surf conditions.

Then things get messy. From Wednesday morning, 19 August, through to Friday afternoon, 21 August, we’re looking at strong winds, tiny swell, or onshore junk. The wind is nasty from the north, hitting 28 mph, and swell drops to 0.3ft or 2ft – not worth paddling out. There’s a gap of about three days with no real surf on offer.

Saturday morning, 22 August, shows a big jump in size – 8ft SW swell at 16 seconds, but the wind is cross-shore from the WNW at 16 mph, and the combined energy is very strong at 3225. This is big, powerful, and lumpy. It’s only for experts, and the cross-shore wind will make it tricky. Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning are similar – 8ft to 7ft, but wind is onshore or cross-shore, so it’s marginal.

Now, Sunday afternoon, 23 August, is a beauty. The swell holds at 7ft from the southwest, 14-second period, and the wind swings to a light cross-off from the NNW at 6 mph. The wave energy is still strong at 1621. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers – clean, powerful, and consistent. The reef will handle it well. This is your best bet for the first week.

The following week starts quiet again. Monday, 24 August, has 5ft to 5ft swell but wind is fresh or cross-shore, so it’s marginal. Tuesday, 25 August, is poor with southerly cross-on winds. Wednesday morning, 26 August, is a surprise: offshore wind from the NNE at 12 mph, with 4ft SW swell at 12 seconds, and 653 energy. That’s clean and rideable – expect good conditions for the experienced.

After that, from Thursday, 27 August, through to Friday, 28 August, we get strong winds and a big jump in size – 12ft SW swell at 16 seconds on the Friday morning, but it’s a onshore mess with 19 mph SSW winds. Not for surfing – that’s kite territory. Saturday, 29 August, sees 12ft to 10ft SW swell, but cross-shore winds keep it choppy and marginal.

Then the standout of the second week: Sunday morning, 30 August. The swell drops to 6ft from the southwest, 12-second period, with a light cross-off wind from the north at 9 mph. Combined energy is strong at 1565. This is excellent for experienced surfers – clean, powerful, and the reef will line up nicely. This is the one to circle. Monday, 31 August, also looks promising with 3ft to 4ft SW swell, 17-18 second period, and light cross-off winds – very clean, very long lines. Tuesday, 1 September, continues the trend with 6ft SW swell, 14 seconds, and light NNE cross-off wind. Classic Cape Schanck conditions.

The rest of the outlook into early September shows smaller swell and manageable winds, but nothing that tops that Sunday 30 August session.

Rusty

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