Deadman's Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

We’ve got one spot to focus on: Deadman's, a reef break that’s exposed to the swell. It’s an inconsistent wave, so it takes a bit of patience here, but when it lines up, it can be a treat. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so nothing wild there.

The window kicks off on Wednesday, August 5th with some small, weak waves. The morning sees a tiny 3 ft swell from the NW with a short 8-second period, and a cross-on breeze that’s not doing it any favours. The combined energy is weak (226). The arvo cleans right up, though – glassy, with a slightly better 9-second period, but still small. Not a standout, but a fun little session for the solo surfer if you’re keen.

Thursday, August 6th is a drop-off. The swell drops to 2 ft from the SW. The morning is glassy, but the period jumps to 13 seconds, which is a long-period groundswell. That’s promising for a reef, but there’s just no size. The afternoon gets crossed up and messy. Not worth paddling out for.

Friday, August 7th is a mixed bag. The morning has a short, choppy 4 ft NW swell with cross-wind – not great. But the afternoon is a tease: glassy, with a tiny 1 ft swell but an *18-second period*. That’s a very long groundswell. The energy is moderate (346), but it’s a reef break, so the long lines could wrap in nicely. Still, the size is laughable. A logger’s dream maybe, but for most of us, it’s a waiting game.

Saturday, August 8th the swell starts to build. The afternoon brings a 6 ft NW swell, but it’s short period (7 seconds) and the wind is clean cross-off. The energy is getting there (647). It’s a bit of a close-out machine at that period, but if you find a bank, you could get a few. Crowds are likely here.

Sunday, August 9th through Tuesday, August 11th sees a solid run of 6 ft to 7 ft NW swell, with a 9-second period. The wind is mostly cross or cross-off, keeping it clean. The energy is strong (up to 986). This is the meat of the forecast. For experienced surfers, the afternoon sessions on Sunday and Monday are the pick of the bunch – punchy, clean waves. It’s on the bigger side, so not for beginners. The long period (9s) is decent, but on a reef, it’ll be bowling. Keep your wits about you.

Wednesday, August 12th the swell backs off a touch to 5 ft, still clean-ish. A solid option if you missed the peak.

Thursday, August 13th and Friday, August 14th are the real quiet standouts. The swell drops to 4 ft and 4 ft from the NW, but the wind goes glassy in the afternoons, and the combined energy is moderate (533-594). The forecast calls for “very good” conditions. These are the sessions for the patient surfer – clean, glassy, and the reef will be working. The swell is a bit under head-high, but it’ll be super fun. This is the best call for the first week.

Saturday, August 15th and Sunday, August 16th the swell direction shifts to the SSW, with a very long 16-17 second period. The size is only 3 ft to 4 ft, but the energy is still high (up to 934). The wind is light cross-on or cross, so it’s rideable. The long period on a reef is a good thing, but the size is marginal. Worth a cruise for the longer rides.

Monday, August 17th is a big spike: 7 ft NW swell with a 9-second period, and the energy is very strong (1260). The morning has cross-wind, but the afternoon cleans up with a cross-off breeze and “very good” conditions. This is a standout for the second week. It’s big, powerful, and clean. Experts only – this is not a beginner wave.

Tuesday, August 18th and Wednesday, August 19th the swell is still solid (5 ft to 5 ft) but the wind gets a bit messy. The Wednesday afternoon is a nice glass-off with a 3 ft, 15-second SSW groundswell. Small but clean.

Thursday, August 20th we fade out with a small, messy 2 ft SSW swell.

So, if I’m calling it: the best of the first week is the glassy afternoons on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th August. For the second week, the standout is the big, clean afternoon on Monday 17th August. The window is open for a while, but there are gaps of a day or two with no real recommendations. Be patient, and you’ll score.

Rusty.

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