Coffs Harbour-North Wall Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and I’ve been looking at the charts for the North Wall at Coffs Harbour. It’s been a slow start, but the end of this 16-day window is shaping up to be a beauty. The first few days are a write-off with messy onshore winds, so hang tight.

Alright, let’s get into it. The first real chance at a wave comes early Tuesday 11 August morning. The swell is tiny at 2ft from the ENE, but the wind is light offshore from the SW, keeping things clean. It’s not going to set the world on fire—just a little knee-to-waist high dribble for the longboard if you’re desperate. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Wednesday 12 August morning is a tease. The swell has dropped to 2ft from the S, but that glassy wind from the WSW makes it look like a mirror. Combined wave energy is moderate (181). It’s small and weak, but the only surfable moment of the week so far.

The real action doesn’t fire up until Friday 14 August morning. The wind swings offshore from the SSW, and we’ve got a solid 6ft S swell rolling in with a period of 9 seconds. The combined wave energy jumps to 723—moderate, but punchy. This is a proper point-break wave, and with the wind holding offshore, it’s going to be clean and lined up. The SSE wind in the arvo messes it up a bit, but the morning session is the standout of the first week.

Saturday 15 August morning is similar but a step down: 5ft from the S, cross-off wind, and moderate energy (501). It’s surfable but not as good as Friday.

The forecast has a few days of ordinary wind and small swell until Wednesday 19 August morning. That morning brings a 5ft SE swell with a 9-second period, light offshore cross-off wind, and combined energy of 359. It’s clean, and the waves will have a bit of shape, but it’s still a toss-up with the tide.

The second week starts to cook. Friday 21 August morning brings 5ft from the E, a 9-second period, and a moderate 298 energy under a gentle offshore breeze. Clean and with some push.

But the big one is Sunday 23 August morning. This is the one to circle on the calendar. The swell jumps to 6ft from the E, with a 10-second period, and the combined wave energy hits a strong 1016. The wind is glassy—dead calm—and the waves are going to be epic. That east swell is a groundswell, and while it can be a bit close-out at a beach break, the North Wall is a point, so it’s going to wrap in beautifully. The wave comment says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers,” and it’s spot on. The swell is over 5ft, so it’s not for beginners, but for anyone who knows what they’re doing, this is a proper session. Crowds are “often” at this spot, so expect a few familiar faces in the lineup.

Saturday 22 August morning is a solid warm-up: 5ft from the E, 9-second period, and 386 energy, clean with a light variable breeze. The afternoon gets a bit messy as the wind turns.

Sunday 23 August afternoon still holds 6ft from the E, but the wind swings onshore from the NE, so the morning is the only window.

After that, the wind goes to shit again. Monday 24 August and Tuesday 25 August are all onshore or cross-shore winds with no real quality surf. The swell drops off, and the energy is weak.

The best on offer across the whole 16 days is that Sunday 23 August morning session. Glassy, 6ft of east swell, and the point will be firing. Don’t sleep on it.

Rusty.

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