East Runton Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s be straight: the next couple of weeks at East Runton are a bit of a struggle. There’s wave energy trying to show up, but almost every session is marked as poor surf conditions, so we’re not looking at any proper standouts. The first real wave action worth paddling for doesn’t appear until Friday the 21st of August, and even then, the wind is messy.

Sunday 16th – Thursday 20th August – Barely a ripple. Sunday morning is glassy with a tiny 0.7ft swell from the north and a period of 9 seconds, but it’s just not enough to surf. Combined swell energy is weak (10). Water temp is 68° – about 5° warmer than normal, so the ocean feels noticeably warm for this time of year. The rest of the week is dominated by onshore and cross-onshore winds, swell staying under 2ft, and energy readings mostly in the single digits. Thursday the 20th is clean but flat.

Friday 21st August – Sunday 23rd August – The swell finally builds, but the wind stays a problem. Friday morning sees 4ft from the north with a 6-second period and moderate wave energy (83), but it’s a fresh cross-onshore. By afternoon, swell bumps to 4ft and energy hits 138 – moderate – but it’s choppy. Saturday the 22nd has 4ft north swell, period 8 seconds, energy peaking at 157, yet cross-onshore winds and chop spoil it. Sunday the 23rd is cleaner in the morning with an east-northeast breeze, 3ft north swell, energy 127, but still cross-onshore and rippled. The waves are around chest to shoulder high, but the quality is poor.

Monday 24th – Thursday 27th August – Swell hangs around, but onshore winds and choppy conditions persist. Monday has 4ft north swell but moderate onshore wind and energy 82. Tuesday is similar, 4ft from the north-northeast, but again cross-onshore and lumpy. Energy stays under 100. By Wednesday the 26th, swell drops to 3ft, and Thursday the 27th sees it fizzle to 1ft. The last few days of August and into September offer a little bump: Sunday the 30th has 3ft north swell, period 7 seconds, energy 82, but with onshore wind and unknown conditions. Monday the 31st morning is glassy with a light cross-shore, 2ft north swell, period 7 seconds, energy 39 – at least it’s clean, but it’s small.

Honestly, there’s no day here that’s a true standout. The best bet might be Friday 21st August morning if you’re desperate – that 4ft north swell with moderate energy (83) is the first sign of life, but the fresh cross-onshore wind and lumpy conditions mean it’s more of a grinder than a gem. Not great for beginners (wave height under 5ft, so okay for learning, but the chop is tough). For experts, it’s not big enough. Crowds are possible here, but with surf this poor, it’ll be quiet.

If you’re into kiting, some of those windier days with 3-4ft chop might be more fun than paddle surfing. But for a wave rider, it’s a long wait.

Stay hopeful – forecasts can shift.

Rusty.

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