Catherine Hill Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about Catherine Hill Bay in the kind of numbers most of us grew up with.

The first real surf pops up on Monday the 20th, but it’s a bit of a mess. Swell is 6 ft from the ENE, period around 11 seconds, with a cross-on breeze at 6 mph. The wave comment says it’s marginal, and the combined energy is moderate at 908. Not the best start.

Tuesday morning the 21st is cleaner. The swell drops to 5 ft from the ENE, period 10 seconds, and the wind swings cross-offshore from the north at 6 mph. That’s clean surf, with a combined energy of 491. The water temp is 66°, which is about average for the time of year. Tuesday afternoon, the wind picks up and it gets choppy, so get your session in early.

Wednesday morning the 22nd is a beauty. Swell is 4 ft from the ENE, period 10 seconds, and we’ve got a proper offshore wind from the northwest at 9 mph. Clean, lined-up waves, combined energy of 277. A good morning for it. The afternoon turns onshore, so it’s a morning-only deal.

Thursday the 23rd is flat and weak. Combined energy drops to around 100-117. Not worth the gas.

Now, Friday the 24th is a standout. Swell jumps to 6 ft from the south, period 9 seconds, with a light cross-offshore wind from the WSW in the morning. Combined energy is 523, and the wave comment says expect very good surf conditions. Hit that morning session.

Saturday the 25th is the best of the whole run. Swell is 6 ft from the south, but the period stretches to 12 seconds, and we’ve got clean offshore wind from the WNW at 9 mph. Combined energy is 839, and it’s expect very good surf conditions. This is a proper groundswell, and with that offshore wind, the bay will have some nice, lined-up waves. The longer period means better shape, but it can straighten out on the beach, so watch the banks. Crowds are “sometimes” here, so you’ll have company but not a zoo.

Sunday the 26th is still solid, with a 5 ft south swell, period 11 seconds, and light cross-offshore wind in the morning. Combined energy is 574. Clean.

The first week of August gets serious. Monday the 30th of July shows a huge jump, with the swell hitting 7 ft from the south, period 13 seconds, and combined energy at 1420. That’s strong. The wind is cross-offshore, but the wave comment says marginal, likely due to tide or size. This is getting into expert-only territory, and by Tuesday the 4th of August, the swell is 8 ft from the south, period 11 seconds, combined energy over 2200, with light cross-offshore wind. The wave comment says excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers. That’s a big, powerful groundswell. If you’re an expert, that Tuesday morning (4th of August) is your window. The 8 ft swell is too big for beginners, and even the 7 ft on the 30th is pushing it for most.

Overall, the standout is Saturday the 25th of July for the best all-round conditions, and Tuesday the 4th of August for the big, powerful swell for the experienced crew. Pick your mornings, and you’ll find some good ones.

Rusty.

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