Cottons Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's break down what the ocean's got cookin' for the next couple of weeks. It's not looking like a full-on epic, but there are a few sessions worth circling on the calendar if you're not too picky.

The general picture is one of small, lined-up surf, with a lot of average to poor conditions. The swell energy is weak to moderate for the most part, with readings mostly in the 180s to 450s range. It's not about big waves here; it's about finding a clean little corner and getting a few fun ones on a high-performance board.

For the first few days, the 18th through the 21st, we're looking at knee-to-waist high surf, around 2 to 3 feet, coming from the SSW. Mornings have light offshore winds, which is a plus, but the wave quality is marginal at best. You'll have to be keen and not too fussed about the wave shape. The afternoons get a bit bumpy with a light cross-onshore breeze.

There's a definite lull around the 22nd and 23rd, with the swell dropping to around 2 to 2 feet. The period is long, 18-19 seconds, which is nice, but there's just no size to it. The energy is weak, and the wind starts to hurt the surface a bit. Not a lot of hope there.

We get a slight bump on the 24th and 25th, with waves back up in the 2 to 3 foot range. Energy is still moderate, but the winds are a bit more cross-onshore, making things lumpy. Again, the mornings are your friend.

The most interesting stretch, though, is right at the end of the month and into September. The 29th of August is the first real standout. The SSW swell builds to a solid 3 to 4 feet, and the energy jumps to a moderate 750. Winds are light, and while it’s cross-onshore, the increase in power is clear. For this spot, that's a definite step up.

The 30th of August holds that size, with waves around 4 feet and the energy in the 640 to 736 range. Not huge, but enough for some proper turns. The 31st and the 1st of September see the size stay around 3 feet, but the energy starts to fade.

So, what's the call? It has to be Cottons Point on the morning of the 29th of August. Swell is pushing a solid 3 feet from the SSW, with a combined energy of 750, the biggest of the whole run. That's your best bet for a proper surf. The 30th is also a go, with similar size, but the wind might be a touch more on it. Water temp is pretty much normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

In a nutshell, the first week plus is mostly small, clean, and weak. The real interest lies around the 29th and 30th of August. That's the window to make a plan. For a learner, those 4 foot waves might be pushing it, but for everyone else, it's the best we're going to get.

Don't go booking a trip over it, but keep that stretch in mind. This is a patient surfer's forecast.

Rusty.

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