Cottons Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’m gonna be straight with you – for the next couple of weeks, Cottons Point (reef and point) is the only show in town, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The first week is pretty underwhelming, with barely a ripple worth paddling for. The real standout window looks like it’s shaping up for the end of August into early September, especially around the 4th and 5th, when we see a proper pulse of long-period groundswell arrive.

We start off on Saturday, 22 August, with a tiny 2ft SSW swell, but the period is a decent 13 seconds. The water temp is sitting at 71°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – feels pretty nice actually. But honestly, the surf is poor, so it’s not worth suiting up. The combined wave energy is weak at 192, and the wind is light and onshore, so it’s just messy.

Sunday the 23rd and Monday the 24th don’t get much better. Still hanging around 2ft to 2ft from the SW, with periods getting longer – up to 19 seconds on Sunday morning. That kind of long period groundswell on a point break like Cottons can be magic, but with barely any height and a cross-onshore wind, it’s just not happening. The energy stays low, between 294 and 357. Poor to marginal at best.

Tuesday the 25th, we see a slight bump – 2ft from the SW with a 16 second period, and the wind goes offshore in the morning. Light breeze, clean conditions. The energy ticks up to 406 (moderate). This is the first session that could actually give you a few grovelly rides if you’re keen. Not a standout, but it’s a start.

Wednesday the 26th is where things start to wake up. The swell jumps to 5ft from the S in the morning, then 6ft in the afternoon, with a period of 14 to 15 seconds. Combined energy rockets up to 1306 (strong) and then 1589. That’s proper. The wind is light and cross-onshore, so it won’t be glassy, but the size and power are there. This is for intermediates and up – 6ft is getting too big for beginners. The point setup should handle it well, but be ready for some push.

Thursday the 27th, the swell backs off to 4ft from the S, with 12 second period, energy dropping to 660. Still fun, but less punchy. Light offshore wind in the morning keeps it clean. Friday the 28th sees the swell drop further to 3ft, but the period stretches back to 17 seconds, energy at 566. Morning offshore again. More of a longboard or grovel session.

Saturday the 29th, swell picks up again to 3ft from the SSW, 17 second period, energy 666. Morning offshore wind – barely a breath at 3 mph. This could actually be a nice clean session with those long lines wrapping in.

Now, Sunday the 30th, we’re at 4ft SSW, 15 seconds, energy around 597, but the wind swings cross-onshore from the west. Still rideable, but not as clean.

Monday the 31st is a write-off. SSE wind picks up to 16 mph, choppy, poor surf. 3ft, period dropping to 14 seconds. Not worth it.

Tuesday 1st September and Wednesday 2nd September – back to tiny, 2ft to 2ft, with light onshore breezes. Marginal.

Then we hit the standout period. Thursday 3rd September, swell builds to 3ft from the SSW, but the period is 20 seconds – very long period groundswell. Energy jumps to 765. Light cross-onshore breeze. This is promising, but the real gem is Friday 4th September. Swell hits 5ft from the SSW, 19 second period, and the combined energy is a massive 1735 (very strong). The wind is offshore and light – clean. This is the best on offer. That long period groundswell on a point like Cottons means waves with heaps of push, long walls, and clean faces. Just be aware, it’s a consistent spot, and with quality like that, crowds are possible. The size is good for intermediates, but beginners might find it a bit much.

Saturday 5th September holds similar energy – 5ft SSW, 17 seconds, energy 1544. Wind is cross-onshore but light, so still fun. By Sunday 6th September, the swell shifts more S, still 6ft to 6ft, 14 to 15 seconds, energy strong at 1361 to 1572. Light offshore in the morning. Another solid day.

So, to wrap it up: the first week is mostly a write-off with a few marginal windows. The real action kicks off from Wednesday 26th August, but the best of the best is Friday 4th September. That’s the day to circle. Clean, powerful, long-period groundswell on a reef and point break. Don’t sleep on it.

Rusty

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