Cape Schanck Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, crew. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag coming our way for Cape Schanck. The good news is there’s surf on the horizon, but you’re going to need some patience, because the first week is going to be a write-off for the most part. After that, the second week shows some real promise, especially right at the end of the window.

The Overall Picture

We’re starting off with some solid groundswell energy, but it’s getting hammered by strong winds. The first few days are pretty much a bust unless you’re kiting. The real standouts are tucked away at the very end of the forecast, and one morning in particular looks absolutely firing.

The Run Down

Monday the 17th kicks things off with a clean 5 ft SW swell, but with a cross-offshore breeze. The energy is moderate at 1467, but it’s just not coming together for a good session – it’s a "marginal" call.

Tuesday the 18th is the first real glimmer. A 4 ft SW swell with a period of 14 seconds, combined with a light NE offshore wind in the morning and glassy conditions by the afternoon. The wave energy is moderate (962), and the morning is going to be clean. This is your best bet early on.

Wednesday the 19th and Thursday the 20th are a total loss. Solid winds from the north and northwest – 28 mph on Wednesday, 19 mph on Thursday – will make it a messy, blown-out affair. The swell is small and choppy. Avoid.

Friday the 21st starts small and ugly, but the afternoon brings a jump in swell to 5 ft from the SW with a 14-second period and strong wave energy (1492). However, the cross-shore wind is still moderate and lumpy, so it’s only a marginal call.

Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd are straight-up poor, with strong onshore winds whipping up a 8 ft SW groundswell. That’s a lot of water moving around, but the wind is just ruining it. The combined energy is into the thousands (over 2700 on Saturday), showing a powerful system, but it’s all for naught.

Monday the 24th holds a secret weapon. The afternoon has a 5 ft SW swell, with a moderate 909 energy, but the wind goes *glass* – a 3 mph breeze from the southwest. That’s going to be clean and smooth. A solid option for a Monday arvo session.

Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th see a return of powerful swell, but with strong onshore or cross-onshore winds (up to 28 mph). That big energy is just churning up slop. Not worth it for paddling in.

The Week 2 Standout

Okay, listen up. Look at Monday the 31st of August. We’ve got a 4 ft swell from the southwest, and here’s the kicker – the period is a massive 20 seconds. That’s a proper, deep ocean groundswell with massive energy (1768). The water is sitting at 56°, which is about average for this time of year. The wind is a light, 3 mph ESE breeze, cross-offshore, promising clean conditions. This is the standout. This is the one you want to be in the water for. That long period will wrap beautifully into Cape Schanck’s reef setup, giving long, powerful lines. It’s going to be a clean, glassy morning with some serious juice.

Tuesday the 1st of September also holds a 6 ft SW swell with a strong 17-second period and high energy (1836), but it’s got a moderate cross-offshore breeze. It’s another good-looking day, but Monday the 31st is the prime pick.

So, to sum up: be patient. The first week is largely a washout. Tuesday the 18th gives you a small window, and Monday the 24th afternoon is worth a look. But circle Monday the 31st of August on your calendar. That’s the one that’s got me excited.

Stay salty,
Rusty

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