Desperations Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for our only spot on the cards, Desperations. It’s a reef break, exposed to the south-southwest, and it’s fairly consistent, though it can get crowded. We’ve got a 16-day window to work through, and honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag with a few long gaps where you’ll want to leave the boards at home.

The first real chance to wet a line is this Friday morning, the 24th of July. There’s a 6 ft swell from the SSE with a period of 9 seconds, but the wind is a cross-shore from the ESE at 16 mph, which is going to mess things up. The wave energy is moderate (1138), but the conditions are just too choppy for a good session. The afternoon drops off to a 4 ft swell with light cross-onshore wind, and it’s not looking any better. The weekend is a write-off with poor conditions and small, weak swell.

You’ll want to wait until Wednesday, the 29th of July. That’s where it gets interesting. Wednesday morning brings a 5 ft swell from the SSW with a 12-second period, and the wind is a light cross-offshore breeze from the ESE at 6 mph. The water is about average for the time of year. The wave energy is moderate (850), and the forecast says “very good surf conditions.” The afternoon is even better – glassy conditions with a 5 ft SSW swell, light offshore wind from the WNW, and the same 12-second period energy (865). This is a standout window: clean, lined-up waves with that longer period making for some proper shape. This is the best of the first week.

After that, we hit another dry spell. The 30th and 31st of July have some clean windows but the swell is tiny, under 3 ft. You’ll be scratching for a wave. The 1st of August has a bigger 6 ft SSW swell, but it’s marred by cross-on wind and lumpy conditions. Not worth it.

The real standout, and the one to circle on your calendar, lands on Wednesday, the 5th of August. The morning is a write-off – 7 ft from the SE, too big and messy for this break. But the afternoon… the afternoon is magic. The wind goes glassy, with a 4 ft swell from the SW, but the period is a very long 18 seconds. The wave energy is strong (1123), and it’s described as “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That long period at a reef like Desperations will produce some beautifully lined-up, powerful waves. This is the best session on offer, hands down. The 6th and 7th of August also have some clean, glassy windows with solid 6 ft and 3 ft SSW swells, rated as excellent, giving you a great run of days.

Overall, there are some true gems buried in here, but you have to be patient. The 29th of July and the 5th of August are the standouts. Don’t waste your time on the windy, choppy days.

Rusty.

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