Fairhaven Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

First off, we’ve got a real beast of a swell showing up, but it’s a tricky one. The waves are going to be pumping, but the timing and size are the story here. The water temp is sitting at 58°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first few days are a write-off for most of us. Sunday the 12th through to Tuesday the 14th, the swell is just too big. We’re looking at 10 feet to a massive 21 feet from the WSW and SW. The combined wave energy is through the roof, hitting 2664 and peaking at a whopping 30778 on Monday afternoon. That’s a lot of water moving around. The wind is cross-off, which is usually good for shape, but when you’ve got a 21-foot swell with a 16-second period, this setup is really only for the absolute elite. If you’re a beginner, don’t even think about it. If you’re a strong waver, maybe you’d have a look, but the power is immense.

By Wednesday the 15th, the swell finally drops back to a more manageable 10 feet, still with a long 14-second period from the SW. The wind is a light cross-off out of the WNW, so the surf will be clean. This is the first window for experienced surfers. The energy is still strong at 3295, but it’s a much better prospect. Wednesday afternoon is a bit smaller at 8 feet, but the wind swings onshore, so the morning is the clear pick.

Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th are where it really gets interesting. We’ve got a solid 8-foot to 10-foot SW swell, with a very long period of 14 to 16 seconds. The wind is a standout: glassy in the mornings. Thursday afternoon goes glassy, and Friday morning is glassy too. That’s about as good as it gets for clean conditions. The wave energy is moderate to strong, between 2297 and 3650. This is high-quality groundswell, and with clean conditions, it’s going to be absolutely beautiful. For a spot like Fairhaven, which is a beginner-friendly zone that rarely breaks, this is a real treat. It’s not often you see it this consistent and clean. The crowds are listed as ‘often’ here, so expect company, but it’ll be worth it.

The following weekend, Saturday the 18th, the swell drops to 5 feet, and the energy drops to 933. It’s manageable and clean, but the real magic of the previous days is gone. Sunday the 19th has a tiny 3-foot swell with a very long 19-second period, but a light offshore wind. It’ll be a knee-high wave, but it’ll be super clean for the longboarders.

The second week is a bit of a mixed bag. We get a few pulses of 5 feet to 8 feet of swell, but the wind is generally cross-off or cross-shore, and the forecast is more marginal. The standout in the second week is the morning of the 22nd and 23rd of July. You’ll see a 7-foot and then a 5-foot SW swell, with a light offshore wind. The wave energy is solid, around 1164 and 862. It’s clean, it’s offshore, and it’s a good option for a mid-week paddle. The 21st also has an 8-foot swell, but it’s cross-shore with a bit of chop, so not as nice.

Don’t get too excited about the last few days. The 24th through the 27th have some swell, but the wind is bumpy and the forecast is marginal. It’s not the kind of window that gets you out of bed.

The best bet: If you can only pick one session, make it Thursday morning the 16th or Friday morning the 17th. The 10-foot SW groundswell with glassy conditions is a rare combination at Fairhaven, and it’s as good as it gets. The second best is Wednesday morning the 15th.

Rusty.

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