Depot Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about Depot Beach and the next couple of weeks.

We’re in for a real mixed bag—some solid windows of clean surf, but plenty of junky days in between. Water temp is sitting at 63°F right now, which is pretty much what you’d expect for this time of year, no surprises there. The first few days are small and tricky, but there are a couple of standout sessions if you pick your times.

Saturday morning the 18th is tiny with a 1ft south swell, but the wind’s glassy from the west, so it’s clean. The energy’s weak (52) though—really only a fun little stretch for a longboard or a paddle. By Saturday afternoon it drops off and goes cross-onshore, so don’t bother.

Sunday the 19th morning is the first real highlight. Swell bumps up to 5ft from the east-northeast with a solid 12-second period. Combined energy climbs to (785), and with glassy northwesterly wind, it’ll be clean and punchy. This is one of the best on offer—good for intermediate to advanced surfers. The wind stays clean through Sunday afternoon but goes onshore, so the morning is the go.

Monday the 20th sees similar size at 5–6ft from the same direction, but wind is cross or cross-on with some clouds, so the quality drops off. It’s surfable but nothing special.

Tuesday the 21st morning swings back with a glassy southwest wind and 4ft from the ENE at 10 seconds. Energy is moderate (363), and it’ll be clean, but the shorter period means less grunt.

Wednesday the 22nd is an interesting one—morning has a fresh 15 mph offshore from the west with a small 3ft swell. The energy is low (174), but the offshores will keep it tidy. Afternoon goes glassy but even smaller.

Thursday the 23rd cranks up quickly—morning sees a 8ft swell from the south at a short 8-second period. That’s a lot of water moving with (797) energy, but it’s windy from the south-southwest at 12 mph, cross-off, so it’ll be clean but heavy. At 8ft, this is expert-only territory. The period is short, so it’ll be a bit dumpy and slabby. Afternoon drops to 7ft but goes cross-shore with some chop—messy.

Friday the 24th morning is a nice reset: 5ft from the south, 9 seconds, glassy northwest wind. Clean and fun, with (314) energy. This is a good session for a mid-length or shortboard.

Saturday the 25th morning is worth a mention too—4ft south swell with a longer 11-second period, glassy northwest wind, (348) energy. Clean lines, longer gaps between sets.

We then hit a run of ordinary days through to the end of July. Sunday the 26th through Wednesday the 30th are mostly cross-off or onshore winds with small swell or short periods. The 28th Tuesday has some size but strong winds—19 mph from the south, cross-shore and lumpy. Not worth it.

Thursday the 30th morning is a small bright spot: 4ft south swell, 9 seconds, light cross-off from the SSW, clean. Energy is (284)—decent for a quick paddle.

The end of the month and start of August is where things get serious again. Friday the 31st morning has a tiny 1ft south-east swell but a very long 14-second period. Glassy, but very weak energy (154). Then Saturday August 1st morning surprises with 5ft from the south-southeast, a short 5-second period, glassy—clean but won’t hold much shape.

Now the standout for experts: Sunday August 2nd morning. A massive 10ft east swell at 10 seconds hits, with glassy conditions and (2034) energy. This is very big for Depot Beach. It’ll be powerful and dangerous—definitely not for anyone who isn’t experienced. The swell direction from the east should match the optimum SE direction well enough, but at this size, it’s only for the brave. The afternoon drops to 7ft but goes onshore, so the morning window is the one to chase.

Overall, the best two sessions are Sunday the 19th morning and Sunday August 2nd morning—one for good clean fun, one for big-wave adrenaline. Don’t sleep on the Monday the 27th morning either if you want a clean 3ft fun day.

Rusty.

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