Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s coming for Clifton Beach.

The first few days are a bit of a letdown. We’ve got a long-period groundswell from the SSW pushing 5 ft, with the water temp sitting right around normal for this time of year. But the wind is coming from the NW then WNW, making it cross-off – not quite clean enough to call it a standout. The combined energy is solid at 1450, but the report flags it as marginal because of tide issues. You could probably snag a few on Friday (4th), but don’t expect anything special. Saturday (5th) drops off fast to 4 ft with a messy cross-on wind – better off finding something else to do.

Sunday (6th) goes nearly flat, with just 1 ft of weak, short-period junk. The combined energy is a pathetic 118. That’s the start of a quiet stretch. Monday (7th) brings the size back to 5 ft, but it’s paired with a 25 mph cross-onshore wind – pure chop and mess. Not worth getting wet for.

Tuesday (8th) morning looks clean with a light breeze from the NNW, but the swell is only 2 ft, even if it has a nice 18-second period. Too small to do much with. Wednesday (9th) is a total washout – that big 12 ft swell with 22 mph cross-onshore winds is a kite surfer's dream, not a paddle surfer's. The combined energy is a massive 8890, but it’s too ugly to surf here.

Now, Thursday (10th) is where it gets wild. We’re looking at a huge 16 ft SSW swell, with a 17-second period and combined energy of 18865. The wind is cross-shore at 15 mph, which is okay. But here’s the deal – at that size, this beach break is a beast for experts only. The report literally says it’s too big for this break. If you’re a pro and you can handle the cleanup sets, go for it. For everyone else, it’s a show.

Friday (11th) is your best all-around bet. That 4 ft S swell with a clean cross-off wind from the NNW is the sweet spot. Combined energy is a moderate 591, and it says “expect good surf conditions.” The morning session is the one to target.

Saturday (12th) morning is also solid – 4 ft SSW swell with a light offshore from the NNW, clean conditions, combined energy of 847. That’s a strong runner-up. Get in early, because the afternoon turns onshore and choppy.

From Sunday (13th) through Wednesday (16th), we’re in a flat spell. Swell drops to 1-2 ft, combined energy falls below 300 and keeps dropping. There are some offshore windows, like Monday (14th) and Tuesday (15th) mornings, but the waves are ankle-biters at best. Not worth the paddle.

Then Thursday (17th) brings another pulse: 10 ft SSW groundswell, but with a 25 mph cross-onshore wind. Combined energy is 3452, but it’s a blown-out mess. Friday (18th) is similar – 10 ft with clean cross-off winds, but again, too big for this spot. The pattern is stuck on repeat.

The last decent session in this 16-day outlook is Saturday (19th) morning. Clean offshore from the N, 4 ft S swell, moderate energy of 643, and it says “expect good surf conditions.” That’s a nice way to finish, but it’s nearly two weeks out, so stay tuned.

Best on offer: Friday (11th) morning at Clifton Beach – 4 ft S swell, clean cross-off NNW breeze, moderate energy (591), and the best balance of size and conditions.

Runner-up: Saturday (12th) morning – offshore wind, similar size, a bit more energy (847), but the afternoon turns to junk.

For the brave: Thursday (10th) – if you’re a big-wave charger and the tide lines up, that 16 ft swell could be the ride of your life, but it’s a serious gamble.

Take it easy out there.

- Rusty

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