Cottons Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up.

Right off the bat, I’ve got to be straight with you – this stretch is a bit of a tough one. Over the next 16 days, there’s only one spot on the radar, Cottons Point, and it’s not really firing. The first few days are a write-off. We’ve got a gap from the start right through to the end of the first week with basically nothing worth paddling out for. Conditions are poor, with onshore and cross-onshore breezes messing things up, and the swell – while showing some moderate wave energy (in the 100s) – is just not coming together. Combined energy hits around 173 to 176 on Wednesday 5 August and Thursday 6 August, but it’s weak, small swell around 2 feet, and poor surf quality. You’d be better off staying on the beach.

Now, there is a little flicker of hope. By Friday 7 August morning, we see a jump in combined energy up to 447 – that’s moderate to strong – and a 2ft swell out of the SSW with a very long period of 19 seconds. That’s groundswell territory. Cottons Point is a reef and point setup, which is exactly where you want that long-period energy. The wind is light and blowing onshore, but it’s light, so it could be glassy. The problem is, the forecast calls it marginal at best. Score is low, and it’s not a standout. Might be worth a look for the patient surfer, but don’t expect much.

The real standout – and I mean the only one that might get your heart rate up – comes later. Saturday 15 August afternoon and Sunday 16 August morning. Swell bumps up to 3ft out of the SSW, still a solid long period of 15-16 seconds, and the combined energy is strong, hitting 642 on the Saturday morning and 567 into the afternoon. It’s still cross-onshore, but light enough that it’ll be rideable. This is the best on offer – a consistent, intermediate-level wave at a point and reef break that can handle that long-period swell. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual. Crowds are listed as “sometimes” at Cottons Point, so you might have company, but it won’t be a zoo.

After that, the energy fades. By Monday 18 August and beyond, we’re back to small, poor conditions. Nothing to write home about. Bottom line: if you’re keen, the weekend of 15-16 August is your window. The rest? Let’s just say the forecasts can change.

Rusty.

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