Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Clifton Beach.

First up, the water temp is sitting at 53°F, which is actually a touch cooler than normal for this time of year – nothing crazy, but you’ll want a decent wetsuit.

Right now, and for the next week or so, it’s pretty grim. Thursday the 23rd kicks off with a fresh cross-shore wind and lumpy conditions, and that pretty much sets the tone for a few days. There’s some solid swell energy – we’re talking moderate to strong energy values (580 to 2081) – but the wind is just all wrong. It’s a frustrating run of fresh breezes and cross-chop. Friday the 24th morning has a bit of a clean look with a 5ft SSW swell and a moderate offshore-ish wind, but the rating is still just average. Saturday afternoon the 25th shows a glimmer: 6ft SW swell with light cross-off wind, but it’s only a brief window in a patchy period.

You’re then looking at a real dry spell from Sunday the 26th all the way through to the end of July. Swell drops right off – we’re talking 1ft to 3ft – and energy numbers are weak (118 to 331). There’s a bit of clean surf here and there, but honestly, it’s barely worth paddling out for.

Then, hold onto your board. Monday the 3rd of August is the standout. That morning, we’ve got a 5ft SSW groundswell with a very long 18-second period, and a gentle offshore wind. The combined energy is pumping at 1555 – strong stuff. This is a proper groundswell, so it’ll have long lines and good shape, though at a beach break it might be a bit straight. That afternoon it goes glassy, 5ft S swell, also 18 seconds. This is the best on offer by a long shot – clean, powerful, and for experienced surfers only, as it’s over 5ft. Crowds are likely here, so get there early.

After that, it fades again. Tuesday and Wednesday drop off in size and energy, though there’s some clean, glassy mornings. The very end of the period, Friday the 7th of August, sees a funky 3ft S swell with a 24-second period – that’s incredibly long period, meaning very straight waves for a beach, but with moderate offshore wind it could be clean.

So, to sum it up: the first week is mostly a write-off. The clear winner is Monday the 3rd of August. Mark it in your calendar, but don’t hold your breath for anything before that.

Rusty.

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