Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s on the menu for Clifton Beach.

First things first, the next few days are pretty flat. Don’t bother paddling out until Thursday the 9th of July. That’s when we get a tiny 2ft south swell, but with a long 19-second period – that’s proper groundswell, so long waits, but the shape will be there for a reef or point. The water’s 53°, which is about normal for this time of year. Thursday afternoon is glassy with a light northerly breeze, so it’ll be clean. The combined energy is moderate at 442. This is the best of a weak bunch early on.

Friday the 10th drops to 2ft to 2ft from the SSW with a 16 to 17-second period. Winds are offshore, so it’s clean, but the energy is low (142-224). Saturday the 11th is a total loss – fresh offshore winds up to 19 mph blowing the tops off 1ft waves. Sunday the 12th is worse with rain and a messy cross-shore wind. The whole stretch from Friday to Monday the 13th is mostly poor, with a few small windows of clean, but tiny surf.

Now, the real highlight comes around the 15th, Wednesday morning. We see a jump to 4ft from the south at 14 seconds, with a northwesterly cross-offshore breeze. The wave energy is moderate-strong at 682. It’s clean, it’s got some push, and the offshore wind will keep the faces tidy. This is the standout of the entire outlook. Not huge, but well-shaped and fun for a competent surfer.

The rest of the week after that fades. Thursday the 16th is back to 1ft to 2ft, glassy at times, but nothing to get excited about. Friday the 17th is a little better with 3ft and clean conditions.

Into the second week, from the 18th to the 21st, it’s mostly small, clean, and weak. Offshore winds in the mornings keep it tidy, but the swell is tiny, 1ft to 2ft, and the energy is low (56-250). It’s consistent for a longboard, but not a proper surfer’s wave. The 22nd and 23rd look poor again with cross-shore and onshore winds, but then, on the 23rd of July, Thursday afternoon, we get a late surprise: a 4ft south-southwest swell with a 17-second period, glassy conditions, and a moderate energy of 847. That could be a sneaky good session if the timing works. The 24th holds a 3ft swell with a 14-second period, but by the afternoon it’s short-period junk at 5ft and 7 seconds – that’s windswell, and it’ll be messy.

So, to wrap it up: if you want the best clean wave, aim for Wednesday the 15th. It’s the one moment in this 16-day stretch where the conditions line up on a decent sized, clean, and well-ordered swell. The rest is mostly small and clean, or small and windy. Get out there when you can.

Rusty.

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