Disappearing Sands Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty.

Yeah, look, it’s a quiet stretch ahead. We’ve got a run of days with barely a ripple, but the energy starts to build as we go. The first week or so is pretty flat and uninspiring, with only small, weak swells and mostly onshore or cross-onshore breezes. Don’t get too keen on anything before the second week.

The first few days through to around the 8th or 9th of August are gonna be tough. Waves are tiny, around 1 to 2 ft, and the period is short or just not making anything of it. The combined swell energy is weak, mostly in the 31 to 202 range. The water sits at 81° which is about 2° warmer than the usual for this time of year, so it’s a touch warm but nothing crazy. It’s a real lake out there. Not worth the paddle.

There’s a slight pickup around the 10th, with a bit more size (2 to 3 ft) and the period stretching out past 15 seconds from the SSW. But the wind still messes with it, and it’s only rated as marginal at best. The energy starts getting more moderate, hitting 412 on the 10th, but the cross-onshore breeze keeps things messy.

The first real glimmer shows up on the 12th of August. The swell is still small, only 2 to 2 ft, but we see a proper glassy spell in the afternoon. The swell direction swings around to the WNW, which is the optimum direction for Disappearing Sands. The energy is solid and punchy at 285, and the waves, though small, should have some shape to them with that longer period of 14 seconds. This is about the first time you can actually have a fun, clean surf. The 13th also looks promising, with 2 ft WNW swell and glassy conditions in the afternoon. It’s small, but it’s clean and clean counts for a lot.

The real standout of the run, though, is the 17th of August. That’s the one that jumps out. The swell pushes up to 4 to 4 ft from the WNW, with a solid 15-16 second period. The combined energy is getting strong at 647 to 847, and even though it’s a bit cross-shore, it’s a light breeze. For a spot that’s known to be inconsistent, this is a proper pulse. It’s not massive, but it’s got some push and the period is long, which will do the job at this point break set-up. It’s still a bit much for a raw beginner, but for anyone with a bit of time in the water, that’s the session to aim for.

The 15th and 16th are just lead-up acts, with 3 to 3 ft of the same WNW swell, but the winds are a bit more on it, keeping the quality down. It’s not until the 17th that it really comes together. Promising, but as it’s over a week away, keep in mind the long-range calls are a bit less certain.

So, the play is: keep the board waxed for the afternoon sessions on the 12th and 13th for a clean, small-wave hit, but mark the 17th of August in the calendar. That’s the best offer in the whole window.

Rusty.

Read more