Cathedral Rock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of swell setting up for Cathedral Rock, starting this Thursday, July 30th. The water is sitting at 57° – pretty much average for this time of year, so no shock to the system when you get in.

The first few days are a bit average. Thursday morning has a 8ft SW swell with a 13-second period, but the wind is cross and the wave energy is strong (2166). It’s not terrible, but it’s messy. That afternoon stays similar – 8ft SW, cross-wind, same story. Not worth rushing out for.

Then Friday morning, July 31st, things clean right up. The swell drops to 6ft from the SW, period is 12 seconds, and the wind goes glassy with light WNW airs. The energy is moderate (903). It’s clean, it’s fun, and the crowd profile says “sometimes” – so you might have a few out, but nothing mental. This is a good morning for a trim.

Saturday morning, August 1st, is the first real standout. Swell is 6ft from the SW, period jumps to 17 seconds – that’s a long-period groundswell. Wind is offshore from the NNW at 6 mph. The energy is strong (1843). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The period is long, so at a point break like Cathedral Rock, the waves will wrap in nicely with good shape. Conditions are clean. This is the one to circle.

Sunday morning, August 2nd, keeps the quality up. 7ft SW swell, 16-second period, offshore NNW wind at 9 mph. Energy is strong (2461). Still excellent for experienced surfers. The paddle out will be easier with those long gaps between sets.

Monday, August 3rd, gets a bit messy with light rain and cross-off winds, but the swell is still 7ft SW. Not the best, but still surfable.

Tuesday morning, August 4th, is another clean morning with 8ft SW swell, 11-second period, and cross-off WNW wind. Good energy (1535). The afternoon goes south with onshore and rain.

Wednesday, August 5th, stays clean with 5ft to 5ft SW swell and cross-off winds. Smooth, easy waves.

Thursday, August 6th, starts clean with 5ft SW at 16 seconds, but the afternoon gets messy – 10ft WSW with cross-on wind. That’s big and choppy.

Friday, August 7th, is a cracker. Morning is glassy, 7ft SW swell at 14 seconds, energy is strong (2328). Perfect conditions for a point.

Saturday, August 8th, and Sunday, August 9th, offer clean offshore mornings with 5ft to 5ft SW swell. Solid, consistent fun.

Now, the big one. Tuesday, August 11th. This is the standout of the entire outlook. Morning has 13ft SW swell with a 16-second period, offshore N wind at 9 mph, and energy is extreme (9498). This is exceptional surf for expert surfers only. The afternoon is even bigger – 15ft SW, glassy conditions, energy at 8715. This is a serious session for the crew who know what they’re doing. At 8ft+ it’s expert-only territory, and this is way beyond that.

Wednesday, August 12th, drops to 10ft WSW but with cross-on wind – messy, but still big.

Thursday, August 13th, sees a drop to 3ft SW with a very long 18-second period. Clean cross-off wind. Nice, mellow morning.

Friday, August 14th, ends the run with 5ft SW at 16 seconds, clean and cross-off in the morning. A solid way to finish.

Overall, the first week is a slow build, with Saturday August 1st and Sunday August 2nd as the early standouts. But the real prize is Tuesday August 11th – that’s a monster, expert-only day. Stay safe out there.

Rusty.

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