Cobden Breakwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about what’s coming up at Cobden Breakwater.

First thing to know: the water temps are sitting at 56°, which is pretty much exactly what you’d expect for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The outlook kicks off Monday, July 13, with a solid 6ft swell from the NNW at 7 seconds. That short period means the waves aren't going to have much push, but with a clean offshore breeze, it’s rideable. The combined energy is moderate (447), so you’ll get some fun ones if you’re not too picky.

Tuesday, July 14, starts with a 5ft swell from the WNW, period stretching to 10 seconds, and the cross-off wind keeps things clean. The energy jumps to 798, so there’s a bit more grunt. But Tuesday afternoon gets messy: 8ft from the NW, 19 mph cross-shore wind, and the energy is strong (1356) – the lumpy chop makes it a battle, not a pleasure.

Now, Wednesday, July 15, is the standout. Wednesday morning pumps an 12ft swell from the west with a 15-second period, which is a serious groundswell. The combined energy is 4745 – that’s strong to very strong. The wind is light and cross-off, so it’s clean. But here’s the thing: 12ft is big, and this is a breakwater, so it’s going to be a heavy, powerful wave. That’s expert territory only. The very long period also means the sets will be long and the waves will line up well, but the size is intimidating. If you’re not an expert, sit this one out.

Wednesday afternoon drops to 10ft, still long period, but the wind swings north and picks up. Still clean, but the energy is still huge (3851). The tide might be a factor.

Thursday, July 16, sees the swell drop to 8ft, but the wind is cross-on and choppy, and the energy is still strong (2407). Not great. Thursday afternoon is a write-off: onshore wind, 4ft, and the energy is still moderate (1359) but the conditions are poor.

Friday, July 17, is a gem. The swell is 5ft from the west, 14-second period, and the wind is glassy – 3 mph from the east in the morning, then from the southwest in the afternoon. The energy is moderate (1621 morning, 1430 afternoon). Glassy conditions and a solid groundswell mean clean, lined-up waves. This is for experienced surfers, but it’s about as good as it gets for a breakwater.

Saturday, July 18, maintains the quality: 6ft from the WSW, 14 seconds, glassy both morning and afternoon. Energy is moderate (1435–1783). Another day of clean, fun surf.

Sunday, July 19, stays in the groove: 6ft from the WSW, 16-second period – very long period, so the sets are spaced out but the waves are quality. Morning is cross-off, afternoon is glassy. Energy is moderate to strong (1869 morning, 1455 afternoon). The long period really suits a breakwater, so the waves will wrap in nicely.

From Monday, July 20, the swell starts to fade. The week ahead sees dropping wave heights: 4ft on Monday, 3ft on Tuesday, 3ft on Wednesday, up to 4ft on Thursday, then back to 3ft on Friday. The periods drop too, mostly 12–14 seconds, so the energy is moderate (255–665). The wind is generally light and clean, with plenty of glassy or cross-off conditions. It’s not the pumping week, but it’s still surfable and clean for the most part.

The weekend of July 25–26 has small waves, 2ft to 3ft, but the periods are very long (16–20 seconds), so the energy is moderate (312–492). The long period will make those small waves stand up at the breakwater, but it’s mostly for logs or mid-lengths.

The final few days, July 27–28, drop to 1ft to 2ft, energy is weak (87–148). The wind is clean, but the waves are tiny. On July 28 afternoon, a 4ft pulse from the NNW with a short 8-second period shows up, but it’s likely a windswell and won’t have much shape.

For the best of the window, it’s Wednesday July 15 morning for the big-wave crew, but for the average surfer, the absolute standout is Friday July 17 through Sunday July 19, with glassy conditions, solid 5ft–6ft groundswell, and clean conditions. Get out there.

Rusty.

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