Clifton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty, and I’ve been staring at the charts for Clifton Beach. Let’s break it down.

Right off the bat, Saturday the 5th isn’t a total write-off, but it’s a tough start. The morning has a 4ft SSW swell with a long 17-second period and a clean cross-off wind from the NE. The water temp is a normal 54° for this time of year. The energy is moderate (737), but the whole thing feels marginal. The afternoon gets messy with the wind swinging onshore, so that’s a no-go.

Sunday the 6th is flat. The swell drops to 1ft, and the wind goes cross or cross-on. Don’t bother. Monday the 7th is a write-off too – a 5ft, short-period windswell (7 seconds) with onshore winds, lumpy and ugly. Tuesday the 8th offers a bit more hope with a 4ft, 17-second SSW groundswell in the afternoon, clean cross-off wind, and moderate energy (665), but it’s still a marginal call.

Now, Wednesday the 9th is where things get wild. The morning sees a 8ft, 19-second groundswell from the SSW, but the wind is a strong 22 mph cross-shore. The energy is massive (7162), and the waves will be big, punchy, and definitely not for beginners. If you’re an expert, there’s raw power here, but it’s going to be lumpy. The afternoon is even bigger at 10ft, but the wind hits 28 mph, turning it into a total mess. Honestly, this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Thursday the 10th is a beast. Both morning and afternoon see 15ft and 12ft swells from the SW, with moderate cross-shore wind. The energy is absolutely pumping (15046 and 9492), but the forecast says it’s too big for this break. This is expert-only, and even then, it’s a gamble. The power is undeniable, but the size is a caveat.

Friday the 11th is a drop-off. A 8ft swell with a 15-second period, but the wind is light cross-on, so it’s a bit bumpy. It’s a marginal day, not a standout.

The standout window is Saturday the 12th. The morning is clean with a 4ft S swell (16 seconds) and a light offshore wind from the NNW. The energy is solid (815). This is the best on offer – clean, punchy, and manageable. The afternoon goes glassy with a 3ft SSW swell, but it’s a bit small. Still, the morning is your pick.

Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th are small and clean but very ordinary. The swell drops to 3ft and 2ft, with offshore winds, but it’s just not enough push. The energy is low (316 and 123).

Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th are a mixed bag. Tuesday is a mess with a 7ft, short-period windswell and onshore winds. Wednesday the 16th has a better 7ft SSE swell (11 seconds) and a clean morning, but the wind is cross-shore, so it’s choppy. The afternoon of the 16th is cleaner with a 6ft SSE swell (11 seconds) and a light cross-off breeze from the WNW. The energy is high (1203), and the conditions are clean. This is a solid secondary option.

Thursday the 17th fades, and Friday the 18th is a write-off with strong onshore winds and tiny swell. The weekend of the 19th and 20th has a bit of life. Saturday the 19th morning has a 5ft, 11-second S swell with a light cross-off wind and high energy (1096). It’s clean and punchy. Sunday the 20th morning has a smaller 3ft, 19-second long-period groundswell, but the offshore wind from the N keeps it clean. The energy is moderate (640). It’s a nice finisher.

So, the pick: Saturday the 12th morning at Clifton Beach. That 4ft S groundswell with offshore wind and clean conditions just sings. The energy is there, and it’s the most user-friendly day. The crowd profile says “often,” so expect company, but it’s worth it.

Remember, the big days on the 9th and 10th are for experts only, and the 10th is probably too big for anyone. The long-range stuff on the 19th and 20th is promising but less certain.

Rusty out.

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