Cottons Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Cottons Point over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, I’ve got to be straight with you – this is a tough run. We’re looking at a long stretch of small, weak surf with a lot of cross-onshore wind. The water is a very unusual 75°F for this time of year, over 7°F warmer than average, which is wild, but it doesn’t make up for the lack of push. The combined energy is mostly in the moderate range, between 199 and 722, but the quality just isn’t there for a proper paddle session.

The first few days are a write-off. From Friday 7th August right through to Wednesday 13th, we’ve got tiny swell, mostly around 2ft to 3ft, with a mix of cross-on and onshore wind. The period is long, hitting 15 to 20 seconds at times, which would normally be exciting, but the height is so small it’s barely breaking. The wind is a light breeze, but it’s coming from the wrong direction, making things choppy or messy. It’s a solid week of "poor surf conditions" with scores of 0.

We start seeing a little bump in energy around Friday 14th August, with the combined energy climbing to 571 and 647, but the swell is still only 2ft to 3ft. The wind stays a stubborn cross-onshore at 9 mph, so it’s still choppy. The following Saturday 15th August has the biggest swell of the whole outlook, hitting 4ft, but it’s coming from the SSW with a 16-second period, and that cross-onshore wind from the WNW is going to trash it. The energy hits 722, but it’s a messy, ugly wave. This stretch is more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddling one.

The best window, if you can call it that, looks like the morning of Sunday 16th August. You’ve got a 3ft SSW swell with a 15-second period, and the wind is light WSW, which is onshore, but at only 6 mph, it might be glassy enough to find a clean face. The energy is moderate at 526, but this is the only time the conditions are even close to "marginal" rather than "poor." It’s not a standout, but it’s the best of a bad bunch.

For the rest of the second week, from Monday 17th August onward, it’s back to tiny 2ft to 3ft swells, with light winds that are often onshore or cross-onshore. The energy drops off, and the consistency is there, but the size isn’t. It’s a frustrating wait.

In short, there’s no true standout session here. The best bet is the morning of Sunday 16th August for a slim chance at a clean, small wave. Otherwise, keep the board in the car and wait for the next system.

Rusty.

Read more