Cottons Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

We’re looking at a stretch that starts off with waves on the cards, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The early days are all about a long-period groundswell rolling in, but it’s not going to be a clean, easy ride. The standout is Saturday 25 July morning at Cottons Point, with a 3 ft SSW swell carrying a very long 21-second period. The combined energy is moderate at 911, and with light onshore breeze, it’ll be a bit bumpy. The swell direction is SSW, not quite on the optimum SW, but the long period means the waves will have some real grunt. This is a reef and point setup, so that long period will wrap in nicely, but it’s not a day for beginners. The water temp is about average for the time of year, nothing wild.

The following days, from Sunday 26 July through to Thursday 30 July, the swell sticks around, but the wind stays cross-onshore or onshore, keeping things a bit messy. The swell height builds a touch, hitting 4 ft to 5 ft on Monday and Tuesday, but the period drops, and the onshore wind keeps the surface lumpy. The combined energy peaks on Monday morning at 1149, but the quality is just not there. It’s consistent, but you’ll be battling a bit of chop.

Now, the real pick of the bunch looks like Thursday 30 July afternoon, when the swell pushes up to 6 ft from the S, with a 14-second period, and the combined energy hits 1234. The wind is light onshore, which is a big positive for a break that faces the swell. This is the best size and energy combo of the run, and the light breeze will keep it cleaner than the days before. It’s still a bit much for beginners, but for intermediates, it’s the session to aim for. Friday 31 July is similar, with 6 ft swell and 14-second period, and energy up at 1504. The wind is light onshore, so it’s another solid option. Crowds are always possible at Cottons Point, so get in early.

But here’s the bummer: after those few days, from Saturday 1 August afternoon, the surf starts to fade fast. By Sunday 2 August, the swell drops to 2 ft to 3 ft, and the energy plummets to 356. The wind turns cross-onshore, and we’re into a long run of poor surf conditions. From Monday 3 August all the way through to Sunday 9 August, the swell is tiny, barely 1 ft to 3 ft, with energy in the low 100s to 400s. The period is all over the place, but the size is just not there. It’s a proper flat spell, eight days of nothing worth paddling out for. The consistency of the break doesn’t help when there’s no swell. So, the takeaway is: get your waves Thursday 30 July and Friday 31 July, because after that, it’s a long, dry stretch.

Rusty.

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