Cliffs Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, I'm Rusty, and here's the scoop on what's coming up for our local stretch.

We're looking at a pretty grim run to start, to be honest. The Cliffs is the only spot on the radar, and it's a consistent beach-and-reef setup that's exposed to the south. The water temp is sitting at 81°, which is pretty average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first week is a write-off. From Friday the 14th right through to the afternoon of Sunday the 23rd, the pickings are slim. We've got a solid 10 days of nothing worth paddling out for. The winds are mostly a fresh to strong cross-offshore breeze, which would normally be clean, but the swell is just too weak and messy. There's a brief moment on Sunday the 16th afternoon where the swell picks up to 6ft from the SSE, but with a short 8-second period, it's just lumpy cross-chop and not worth your time. The energy is moderate (764), but it's a messy, short-period wind swell that won't hold up.

The first real glimmer of hope comes on Friday the 21st afternoon. We get a 2ft SSW groundswell with a 16-second period, and a gentle cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy is moderate (345) and the forecast is saying "expect good surf conditions." It's small, but those long-period lines will be clean and well-shaped. The waves will be a bit inconsistent between sets, but the paddle-out will be easy.

Now, if you're looking for the standout of the whole 16-day window, you've got to circle Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th. On Thursday the 27th, a 5ft E swell rolls in with a 17-18 second period. The combined energy is strong (1651). It's a moderate cross-offshore breeze, so the Cliffs will be clean. The only catch is the swell direction is from the east, and the optimum is from the south, so it's a bit of an angle. But for a long-period, powerful groundswell, it's a solid option. Friday the 28th is similar, with a 5ft E swell, 16-17 second period, and a gentle to moderate cross-offshore breeze. The energy is still strong (1214-1317). The waves will be a bit too straight for the beach break, but the reef sections should pick up the lines nicely. This is the best we've got, so keep an eye on it.

Saturday the 29th morning is the last call, with a 4ft E swell and a gentle cross-offshore breeze. The energy is moderate (856), and the forecast says "expect very good surf conditions." It's a smaller option, but the winds will be light and clean.

So, to sum it up: the first 10 days are a total bust. The best options are on the 27th and 28th of August, with solid, long-period easterly groundswell and clean winds. It's not perfect, but it's the best we've got.

Rusty.

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