Denhams Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab a coffee and settle in, because we’ve got a real mixed bag ahead at Denhams Beach. Let’s be straight with you – this isn’t a week for dropping everything and racing down. The first real stretch is a bit of a disappointment, but there’s a glimmer of something bigger later on, albeit with some serious caveats.

The water temp is sittin' around 63°F right now, which is about average for the time of year – nothing to write home about, but you won’t need a full winter suit just yet.

Kicking off on Tuesday the 18th of August, we’ve got tiny, weak swell. That morning is glassy, but the swell is only 2ft from the ESE with a short period of 6 seconds, and combined energy is a measly 43 – barely a ripple. It’s poor surf. The afternoon gets worse with a light cross-onshore.

Wednesday the 19th sees a bit more energy (105 combined energy) but the swell is a messy 6ft from the ENE with a 5-second period, and a choppy cross-onshore wind. Not worth it.

Thursday the 20th morning is the first time the word “surfable” appears. The swell drops to 3ft from the NE, but the wind is a clean cross-off from the NNW. It’s clean, but there’s no power (combined energy only 54). It’s a knee-high dribbler for the longboard.

Friday the 21st through to Sunday the 23rd is a parade of tiny, glassy mornings but with swell heights of 2ft or less. It’s flat, really. The energy readings are all under 50. You’d be better off going for a paddle than a surf.

From Monday the 24th right through to Friday the 28th of August, the pattern is the same: bits of clean cross-off wind, tiny swell (1.0ft to 2ft), and combined energy that rarely breaks 60. There are glimpses of “surfable” conditions, but with those numbers, it’s barely a ripple.

Now, Saturday the 29th of August is where things start to look interesting. The morning brings a 4ft ESE swell with a 5-second period, and a clean offshore wind from the WSW. Combined energy is 86 – still weak, but it’s off. Then the afternoon is the standout of the whole forecast: a 5ft SSE swell, period of 9 seconds, with a clean offshore wind from the W. The combined energy jumps to 454 – moderate energy, and it’s the first time we see a “good surf” rating. This is the best on offer. The swell direction (SSE) is a good match for the optimum ESE, so it’ll wrap in nicely. Just be aware the crowds are listed as “sometimes” – you might have company.

But hold on, because the fun doesn’t last. Sunday the 30th of August goes completely mental. A massive 10ft to 13ft SE swell rolls in, but it’s accompanied by a strong 25 mph S wind making it a cross-shore mess. Combined energy is 777 to 2651 – very strong energy. This is a total write-off for paddle surfing; it’s more of a kitesurfing day.

Monday the 31st of August through to Wednesday the 2nd of September is a series of huge, dangerous swells. The waves are 10ft to 20ft, with periods of 10-12 seconds, and the combined energy hits 9670 on Monday morning – that’s very strong. The wind is cross-shore, and the forecast explicitly says the swell is too big for this break. Unless you’re an expert with a death wish, stay well clear.

So, the one true standout is Saturday the 29th of August afternoon. Clean offshore wind, shoulder-high swell, and moderate energy. That’s your window. The rest of the 16 days is either flat, tiny, or too dangerous.

Rusty.

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