Cowries Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what’s coming our way at Cowries over the next couple of weeks. We've got a bit of a mixed bag, with some proper promise on the horizon, but we need to be patient through the early lull.

Right now, we’re in a quiet patch. The first few days are pretty small and weak, with only tiny 2ft to 1ft swell and combined wave energy barely making a splash at 38. The water is sitting at 67°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – a nice little bonus if you’re getting in for a paddle, but there’s not much to ride.

The real story starts to build on Saturday the 4th of July. We see a shift as a new S swell arrives, pushing 3ft with a period of 12 seconds. This is a proper groundswell, giving the waves some shape and punch. The combined energy jumps to 232 (moderate). Saturday morning is the standout with a light 3 mph offshore wind from the west, keeping the surface clean. It’s not huge, but for a beginner-friendly reef and point like Cowries, this is a great window for a longboard or a fun mid-length. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

Sunday the 5th sees the swell jump up to 8ft from the S, with the combined energy cranking to 1332 (strong). This is now getting into the “too big for beginners” territory, and the cross-off wind from the SSW at 16 mph will keep it a bit bumpy. This is more for the crew with a bit of experience. The afternoon holds similar size, with a touch more period (11 seconds) and even more energy at 1758 (strong).

The swell hangs in through Monday and Tuesday, staying in the 6ft to 8ft range from the SSE. The energy stays strong but the conditions are consistently marginable due to the moderate cross-off winds. The best morning of the bunch looks like Wednesday the 8th, when we get a glassy morning with the swell at 6ft from the SE, period of 10 seconds. Clean, lined-up sets with that reef point handling the long period nicely. A real treat if you can sneak out.

Things drop off again by the end of the first week into the second, with small, weak surf returning. Then, we get a big call for Monday the 13th. The afternoon session shows a jump to 10ft S swell with a combined energy of 2795 (very strong). The wind goes offshore from the W at 12 mph, making for serious, powerful waves. This is an excellent setup, but only for experienced surfers – that size on a reef is no joke.

And then we get the long-range standout. On Saturday the 18th of July, the model is hinting at a serious pulse. We're looking at a huge 13ft SSE swell with an 11-second period and a monster combined energy reading of 4074 (very strong). The morning has glassy conditions with a light offshore. Now, look, that’s a long way off, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed, but if it comes together, that’s the kind of day that gets the heart pumping. At that size, it’s not for everyone, but Cowries can handle it.

All in all, the best of the immediate action is Saturday morning the 4th for the small-wave crew, and Wednesday morning the 8th for cleaner, head-high waves. For the big stuff, circle Monday the 13th afternoon and keep a very close eye on Saturday the 18th.

Stay stoked,
Rusty

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