Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Clifton Beach. The first bits of the forecast are pretty meek, but there’s a couple of windows that’ll get your heart pumping if you’re patient.

We start off on Sunday the 9th of August with a tiny 1ft SSW swell, period a long 13 seconds. The wind’s offshore from the north, so it’s clean, but the combined energy is only 65 (weak) – it’s really just a paddle and a knee-bouncer. Not much to write home about. Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th are messy with onshore or cross-shore winds and the swell barely nudging 2.3ft. The energy picks up a bit on Tuesday afternoon hitting 373 (moderate), but light WNW winds keep it cross-off and clean with a 2ft SSW swell – that’s a sneaky little session if you’re desperate for a slide.

Wednesday the 12th morning is clean but marginal, with a 2.6ft SSW swell and moderate cross-off breeze. The energy is 341 (moderate). Thursday the 13th is the first real standout. Morning has a 3.6ft SSW swell, 15-second period, clean cross-off wind from the WNW, and energy at 505 (moderate to strong). The afternoon is even better: 3.9ft SSW swell, 18-second period, clean, and energy jumping to 834 (moderate to strong). This is a seriously fun groundswell – long lines, good shape, and the gentle offshore wind will keep it glassy. Clifton Beach is fairly exposed to the south swell, so it’ll be working nicely. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

Friday the 14th is a write-off: a big 10ft SW swell on the morning with howling 22 mph cross-onshore wind and energy a massive 6070 (very strong). That’s a washing machine – only for the brave or for kite surfers. The afternoon drops to 5ft but still messy with lumpy cross-onshore. Saturday the 15th is the absolute winner. Clean morning, 4.6ft S swell, 16-second period, offshore NNW wind at 9 mph, and energy of 1017 (strong). That’s proper head-high, long-period groundswell with perfect conditions. It’ll be a bit big for beginners, but the point break setup at Clifton will handle it well. Crowds are often here, so expect company.

The next week starts quiet again. Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th have small clean swell (2.3ft to 2.6ft) with light offshore winds, but energy is low. Tuesday the 18th through Thursday the 20th are tiny or blown out. Friday the 21st is dead. Then Saturday the 22nd has a weird 3.9ft SSW swell with a short 6-second period – that’s junky, weak windswell, not worth your time.

But hold on – Sunday the 23rd of August is another standout. A 3.6ft S swell, 16-second period, offshore north wind at 12 mph, and energy of 874 (strong). Clean, solid, long-period lines. Crowds will be likely. Monday the 24th morning is still clean with a 2.3ft SSW swell and moderate offshore, but the energy is 377 (moderate) – a nice tail end to the run.

Best on offer: Thursday the 13th afternoon (3.9ft SSW, 18s, clean) and Saturday the 15th morning (4.6ft S, 16s, offshore). If you’re looking further ahead, Sunday the 23rd is promising but less certain.

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