Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, it’s Rusty here, and I’ve been staring at the charts for Clifton Beach, and I’ll tell you right now, the first week is a bit of a write-off. We’ve got a gap of about four days with no real surf to speak of. The wind is all over the shop, and the swell is either too weak or too messy. But don’t you worry, there’s a little light at the end of the tunnel.

Tuesday the 28th of July is a no-go. There’s a bit of a south-southwest groundswell in the water, about 3ft, with a long 15-second period, but that 25 km/h wind from the north-northwest is just killing it. It’s clean but the energy is weak (292). The water temp is around 53°, which is about 1° cooler than average for this time of year, so it’s pretty standard. Wednesday and Thursday are just a mess with strong cross-onshore winds and lumpy conditions. Friday the 31st offers a little reprieve – a tiny 1ft to 2ft south-southwest swell with glassy conditions in the afternoon. The energy is still low (137), but you could get a few ankle-biters if you’re desperate.

Now, the real story starts on Saturday the 1st of August. That morning, we’ve got a 3ft south-southwest groundswell running with a 16-second period and a clean offshore wind from the north-northwest. The energy is building (376), and it’s looking good. But the standout is Saturday afternoon. The swell drops a touch to 4ft, but the period stretches out to a very long 19 seconds. The wind goes light and variable, and the energy jumps to 891. This is a proper groundswell, and it’s going to be clean. The south-southwest direction is right in the optimum window for Clifton Beach, so expect some nice, lined-up waves. This is the best on offer in the first week. Keep in mind, it’s a fairly consistent spot, but crowds are often an issue, so get on it early.

Sunday the 2nd of August morning is still clean with a 4ft, 17-second swell, but the wind is a bit more cross-offshore. That afternoon, the wind shifts onshore and it’s game over. The rest of the first week and into the second week is a bit of a desert. We’ve got a few mornings with clean, offshore winds and tiny 1ft waves, but the energy is in the double digits. Just not worth paddling out for.

But hold on to your boards, because Monday the 10th of August is looking like a real gem. The morning brings a 3ft south-southwest groundswell with a very long 21-second period. The wind is a gentle offshore from the north-northeast, and the energy is strong at 698. This is a long-range call, so it’s promising but not locked in yet. The swell direction is spot on for Clifton. It’s going to be clean, and with that period, it’ll be a proper point-break-style wave.

Then, on Wednesday the 12th, we get another solid pulse. A 6ft south swell with an 11-second period rolls in. The wind is offshore from the north-northwest, and the energy is strong (764). This is a bit bigger, so it’s more for the experienced crew. The combination of solid height and clean conditions could make for some excellent waves. That afternoon stays clean with a light cross-offshore breeze.

So, to wrap it up: the first few days are a wash. The best windows are Saturday afternoon, the 1st of August, and then the long-range promise of Monday the 10th and Wednesday the 12th of August. Get out there if you can.

Rusty

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