Conto Springs Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve been staring at the charts for Conto Springs. We’ve got a massive run of swell on the way, but it’s not going to be easy. The water is sitting at 68°F—much warmer than usual for this time of year, which is a real treat. The overall pattern is one of consistent, powerful groundswell, but the wind is going to be our enemy for long stretches.

We kick off on Monday the 10th with a solid 15ft SW swell, but the wind is a strong cross-shore from the southwest at 28 mph, and it’s raining. The combined wave energy is huge at 4343 (moderate to strong energy), but the conditions are messy—poor surf. Not one to paddle out for. Monday afternoon sees the swell jump to 18ft from the SSW, period 13 seconds, and the wind switches to a cross-offshore breeze. The energy goes ballistic at 9745 (strong to very strong), and it cleans up, but that’s a hell of a lot of water moving for most people. A proper big-wave session.

Tuesday the 11th morning is the standout. It’s clear, the swell is 18ft from the SSW with a very long period of 16 seconds. The wind is a moderate cross-offshore breeze from the SSW at 16 mph, and the wave energy is through the roof at 16945 (very strong). The data says the swell is predicted to be too big for this break, but for an expert, this is a world-class groundswell hitting the reef. The long period will make it wall up beautifully at a point or reef setup like Conto Springs. Get on it if you’ve got the balls. Tuesday afternoon drops to 16ft with a cross-shore wind and a score that’s more marginal—still big but less clean.

Wednesday the 12th is a step down in size to 13ft, but the wind turns cross-onshore and the energy drops to 6742 (moderate to strong). It’s choppy, not worth it. Thursday the 13th is similar: 13ft SW swell, period 17 seconds, light cross-onshore breeze. The energy is 8931 in the morning and 10005 in the afternoon (strong), but the wind ripples spoil it. It’s okay for a keen surfer, but not a standout.

Friday the 14th sees the swell drop to 12ft with a light cross-onshore breeze in the morning, but the period is still 16 seconds. The energy is 6288 (moderate to strong). It’s marginal. Saturday the 15th is a write-off—swell drops to 8ft, strong cross-onshore winds from the north at 16 mph, poor conditions. That gap of poor surf continues through Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th, though Monday the 17th morning sees the swell jump back to 15ft from the WSW with an 18-second period and moderate cross-shore wind. The energy is 11686 (strong), and it’s a better prospect for those who can handle the size. Still, it’s got a cross-chop.

We get a proper clean window on Friday the 21st. The swell is 16ft from the SW, period 16 seconds, and the wind is a moderate cross-offshore from the south at 16 mph. The energy is 11614 (strong to very strong), and the conditions are clean. That’s a solid day for experienced surfers. Saturday the 22nd morning is the other real highlight: the swell is 12ft from the SW, period 16 seconds, and the wind is glassy from the WSW at 3 mph. The energy is 5428 (moderate to strong). That is exceptional surf—glassy conditions, clean, and a long-period groundswell. It’s not too big for a confident intermediate, but the long period means it’ll be powerful. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

After that, Sunday the 23rd turns poor again with onshore winds. Monday the 24th is marginal, and Tuesday the 25th sees the swell back up to 16ft from the SW with fresh cross-shore winds and lumpy conditions—not the one.

If I had to call it, Tuesday the 11th morning is the standout for experts, and Saturday the 22nd morning is the glassy gem for anyone who can handle a solid 12ft groundswell. The rest of the run is a battle with the wind.

Rusty.

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