Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab your wettie and let’s look at what’s coming up for Clifton Beach.

It’s a bit of a mixed bag on the horizon here. There are some days we’ll be staring at flat, bumpy water, but then a few windows open up that will have the stoke levels pumping. The water temp is sitting at a pretty average 53°, nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year. We’re not looking at a classic run, so patience is key.

The first real chance to paddle out doesn’t come until Tuesday the 8th. Monday the 7th is a write-off with fresh cross-onshore winds and lumpy conditions. But Tuesday morning brings in some relief with a gentle, clean cross-offshore breeze out of the NW. Swell is small at 2ft from the SSW, but that period is a massive 18 seconds. This is pure, long-period groundswell – great for shape and energy, though at a beach break it might run a little straight. Still, the wave energy is moderate (349) and it’s going to be clean. Tuesday afternoon is similar, with a touch more size at 3ft and energy ramping up to 560.

Then things get angry. Wednesday the 9th sees a huge spike in energy, with swell jumping to 8ft and 10ft, but it’s all under a strong, messy cross-onshore wind. Not surfable. Thursday the 10th is even bigger, with a 12ft SSW swell packing a massive 9964 in energy, but the same problem applies – it’s way too big and the cross-shore wind won’t help. This is for experts only, and even then it looks nasty.

Friday the 11th stays too big and blown out. We see some hope again on Saturday the 12th. The morning brings a gentle offshore breeze from the NNW, and the swell settles back to a manageable 4ft from the SSW with a 16-second period. That’s clean and fun, with moderate energy (644). This is likely the best morning of the first week. The afternoon fades a bit.

The following week from the 13th into the 15th is mostly small and average, with dropping swell and messy winds. But keep an eye on Thursday the 17th. The morning offers up excellent conditions for experienced surfers: an offshore NNW wind at 16 mph, a solid 6ft SSW groundswell with a 16-second period, and good energy (1638). That’s clean and powerful.

Friday the 18th morning is another standout: a light cross-offshore breeze, 6ft S swell at 16 seconds, and clean conditions. This one is for the crew who know what they’re doing, as 6ft is getting a bit meaty.

Finally, Monday the 21st ends the run with a beauty – glassy conditions, a light northerly breeze, and a 4ft SSW swell with a 14-second period. If you can wait, that Monday morning glass-off could be the pick of the whole outlook. Low energy at 415, but perfect conditions for a long, clean session.

So the standout days are Saturday the 12th morning for the offshore winds and clean lines, and Monday the 21st morning for that glassy, small-but-fun setup. The bigger stuff on the 17th and 18th is for the experienced crew only.

Rusty.

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