Downtowns Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s heading our way.

We’ve got a solid run of swell pointed at Downtowns, a reef break that’s strictly for advanced surfers. This spot is fairly consistent and gets a good look at the swell, with the best direction coming from the SW. Water temp is about 80°F, which is pretty average for this time of year, nothing crazy.

The action fires up on Tuesday the 18th of August. Tuesday morning is a stunner – glassy conditions, a light offshore wind from the WSW at 3 mph, and a clean 4ft SSW groundswell with a long 16-second period. The combined energy is moderate (1961). This is excellent stuff for experienced surfers, offering real shape and long waits between sets. Tuesday afternoon the swell pushes to 5ft from the SW, still glassy with a light ESE breeze, and the energy rockets into the strong range (2428). It’s a top day.

Wednesday the 19th is the absolute standout. Morning is dead calm – glassy, zero wind. The swell is a meaty 8ft from the SW, period at 18 seconds – that’s a very long-period groundswell, meaning heaps of energy and proper shape, perfect for this reef. The combined energy is strong (3607). By the afternoon, it hits 8ft SW at 18 seconds, with a light glassy ESE breeze, and the energy is very strong (4087). This is big, powerful surf for experts only – not for the timid. It doesn’t get any better than this in the whole outlook.

Thursday the 20th holds similar size at 8ft from the SW, but the morning gets a bit of cross-shore wind. The afternoon cleans up nicely with a cross-offshore breeze from the ENE at 6 mph, giving you clean waves even with the period dropping to 16 seconds. Friday and Saturday keep the glassy, solid surf coming in the 6ft to 8ft range, with long periods and clean conditions – plenty of fun for the crew that can handle it.

Sunday the 23rd sees a little chop in the morning, but the afternoon cleans back up. This pattern sticks through the end of the first week, with mostly clean waves and solid swell, though the periods start to shorten slightly.

Heading into the second week, from around Thursday the 27th onwards, the quality drops off. Winds get more cross-shore and the swell gets a bit messier. There’s still waves, from 4ft up to 8ft, but conditions are more marginal. A few afternoons might tidy up, but it won’t match that first week. Monday the 31st and into early September sees a bump in size again, with 7ft to 8ft SW swells and longer periods returning, but the cross-shore wind keeps things from being pristine.

The bottom line: pounce on that first few days. Wednesday the 19th is the crown jewel. After that, it’s still fun for a bit, but the real magic fades as the second week rolls in. Get it while it’s hot.

Rusty.

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