Cobden Breakwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, cobber, let’s have a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks. We’ve got one spot that’s holding the whole show together: Cobden Breakwater. It’s a breakwater setup, so it likes a good swell from the west-southwest, and when it lines up, it’s a proper little gem.

The week kicks off proper on Wednesday, 19 August with a clean morning. A 4ft swell out of the west-southwest, a solid 16-second period pushing it in, and a light easterly cross-offshore breeze. That’s glassy, groomed, and full of energy—moderate energy (1020) but with that long period, it’ll be zippy and lined up. This is the standout session of the early run. The water temp is about average for the time of year, nothing to write home about, but it’s fine.

Thursday, 20 August keeps the goods rolling with a 4ft west-southwest swell in the morning, still cross-off, still clean. The afternoon goes glassy with a 3 mph WNW breeze—4ft swell, 14-second period, clean as a whistle. That’s a nice little dinnertime wave.

Friday, 21 August morning drops a notch to 3ft, but it’s glassy with a 3 mph easterly. Very clean. The afternoon gets a bit cross-on and small, so don’t expect much.

Saturday, 22 August morning has a 3ft west-southwest swell with a nor-nor-east cross-off, but it’s small and the moderate breeze is pushing it. The afternoon turns ugly with rain showers and a 8ft short-period junk heap—6 seconds—that’s a mess. Avoid.

Sunday, 23 August and Monday, 24 August see the swell pump up hard. By Monday morning, we’re looking at 12ft of west swell at 15 seconds—that’s massive energy (4568). The wind is onshore, but even so, that’s only for experts. This break is a breakwater, and 12ft is a beast. If you’re not solid, don’t even think about it. The Monday afternoon holds 10ft, still big, but with a lighter cross-on breeze.

Tuesday, 25 August drops to 7ft in the morning, but the wind is cross-on and choppy. Not great.

Wednesday, 26 August morning is a real beauty: 7ft west-southwest swell, 13-second period, and a light offshore east-nor-east breeze. Clean, powerful, and a excellent wave for experienced surfers. That’s a standout morning. The afternoon is still clean but smaller at 6ft.

Thursday, 27 August morning is 4ft, clean with a moderate offshore. Worth a paddle if you’re desperate, but it’s not the standout.

Friday, 28 August morning has a 7ft north-northwest swell with a short 9-second period, onshore wind—it’s messy. The afternoon is just as rough.

Saturday, 29 August is a write-off: tiny 2ft swell with onshore wind. Not worth looking at.

Sunday, 30 August morning jumps back to life: 7ft west swell, 15-second period, and a light offshore. That’s a proper groundswell, clean and powerful. Excellent for experienced surfers. This is the second standout of the run.

Monday, 31 August morning delivers 5ft west-southwest swell, 14 seconds, and a light offshore. Clean and fun. Good for a solid intermediate.

Tuesday, 1 September morning has a 6ft west swell, but it’s a short 7-second period—that’s a bit of a bouncy, weak wave even though it’s clean. The afternoon has a 3ft west-southwest swell with a very long 16-second period, but it’s cross-on. Tricky.

Wednesday, 2 September morning is a gem: 4ft west-southwest swell, 15-second period, light offshore. Clean, excellent for experienced surfers. That’s a nice little session.

Thursday, 3 September morning rounds out the run with 4ft, 14-second period, glassy conditions. Very clean.

So, for the whole outlook, the absolute best windows are Wednesday, 19 August morning, Wednesday, 26 August morning, and Sunday, 30 August morning. The energy is moderate to strong, the winds are offshore or glassy, and the swell direction is bang on for the break. Crowds are listed as rare here, so you’ll likely have it to yourself or close to it. If you’re surfing the 7ft+ days, that’s for experienced surfers only—beginners, stay out. The smaller days around 3ft to 4ft are fine for intermediates.

Rusty.

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