Emerald Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, it’s a slow start. For the first few days, there’s barely a ripple worth paddlin’ for. The ocean’s just flat and uninspired. We’ve got a bit of a dry spell until the middle of next week, so don’t bother waxing up just yet.

The first real glimmer of hope shows up on Monday morning, the 17th of August. We’ve got a bit of a pulse coming through then, with some moderate energy (combined swell energy of 329) and a 6ft swell from the ESE. The wind’s looking offshore from the SSW at 9 mph, so that should keep things clean. It’s a short period swell though, only 7 seconds, so it’ll be a bit lumpy and fat, not the kind of wave you’ll be telling your mates about. Still, it’s the first decent chance to get wet.

Tuesday the 18th shapes up as the real standout. The swell picks up to 5ft from the SE, and the energy jumps to a strong 543. The wind is light offshore from the SSW in the morning – 9 mph – making for some clean, lined-up waves. This is a beach break, so that shorter period (8 seconds) will keep it a bit crumbly, but the consistency and clean conditions will make it fun for intermediate surfers. The water temp is sitting at 67°, which is about normal for this time of year, so no need for a thick wetsuit.

Wednesday morning the 19th keeps the ball rolling with a 4ft swell from the SE, but now the period stretches out to 11 seconds. That’s groundswell, boys. Better shape, more push. The energy is still solid at 438, and the wind is offshore again from the SSW at 12 mph. This is the pick of the week for sure. The waves will be a bit more powerful and have longer waits between sets, but the paddle out will be easier. Just keep an eye on the crowds, because this spot is often busy.

After that, the swell fades fast. Thursday the 20th is glassy in the morning with a 3ft SE swell, but it’s weak and the wind swings onshore in the arvo. From Friday onward, it’s back to tiny, choppy slop. The rest of the second week is a write-off with nothing but knee-high junk and onshore wind. The run from the 21st to the 29th is just flat, poor conditions. If you’re desperate, maybe a kite will get you going, but for a paddle board, it’s a hard no.

So, get your sessions in on Monday and Tuesday, but make Wednesday morning the 19th your priority. That’s the one.

Rusty.

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