Fairhaven Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. The surf over the next 16 days here at Fairhaven is a real mixed bag. We’ve got plenty of swell on the horizon, but the conditions are going to be a real battle, especially for the beginner crew. This spot is a beginner-friendly wave that rarely breaks, so when it does, it’s a bit of a treat, but you’ve got to pick your windows.

The water temperature is running about average for this time of year, so nothing too wild on that front.

The first real taste of action comes in on Saturday morning, the 18th of July. We’ve got a solid 6 ft SW groundswell with a 14-second period. The combined energy is pumping at 1280 (moderate wave energy), and with a light WNW breeze, it’s going to be clean. That’s a standout morning for the more experienced surfers, as 6 ft is a bit much for beginners. The swell direction is right on the money for this spot, too.

Saturday afternoon drops off a bit, with a 6 ft SW swell and a 13-second period, but the wind goes cross, so it’s not as clean. The energy is still decent at 1011 (moderate), but it’s a marginal call.

Sunday the 19th brings a smaller 3 ft to 3 ft WSW swell, with good 13-second period. The morning is clean with a light NW breeze, and the afternoon turns offshore with a NNW wind. This is a much better window for the beginners, with clean, smaller waves and a combined energy around 438-572 (weak to moderate). It’s a good, mellow day.

Monday the 20th sees a bump back up to 4 ft, with a very long 16-second period from the WSW. That’s a proper groundswell, and with a light NW wind, the morning session is clean. The energy is 721 (moderate). Because of the long period, it might be a bit straight at this beach break, but it’s worth a look.

Tuesday the 21st is a highlight. 6 ft WSW swell, 14-second period, and a clean cross-off wind all day. The energy is strong at 1005 (moderate to strong). This is one of the best on offer, with good shape and clean conditions.

Wednesday the 22nd gets messy. The swell holds at 4-5 ft, but the wind picks up to 12 mph, making it marginal. Light rain and a cross-chop in the afternoon make it a write-off for clean surfing.

Now, from Thursday the 23rd, the swell gets big. We’re looking at 10 ft on Thursday morning, and then it just keeps building. The problem is the wind, which is cross-onshore, making it choppy and messy. The combined energy hits 3606 (very strong) on Thursday, but it’s not for paddling. This is more of a kite-surfing setup.

Friday the 24th is a classic example of too much of a good thing. The swell is 10 ft to 12 ft, and the energy is massive (5828 to 7791). The wind is a clean cross-off, but the waves are too big for this break. Only for experts, and even then, it’s a big call.

The pattern continues through the next week. Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th have 8 ft to 10 ft swell with clean wind, but it’s still big and the energy is very strong. Monday the 27th is the same story, with 10 ft swell. Tuesday the 28th is the biggest, with 12 ft swell and a 16-second period, and the energy is a staggering 12083 (very strong). The forecast says it’s too big for this break.

We get a bit of a drop on Wednesday the 29th, down to 8 ft, but the wind is still strong. Then Thursday the 30th through to the 1st of August is a total no-go. The swell is 13 ft to 16 ft, and the wind is onshore and howling. The energy is through the roof, but the conditions are poor. The last day on the 2nd of August settles a bit to 8 ft, but with a cross-shore wind and chop, it’s still not one for the log.

So, the standout is Saturday morning, July 18th for the crew who can handle a bit of size, and Sunday, July 19th for the beginners looking for clean, smaller waves. There’s a long gap of big, messy swell from late July, so don’t get your hopes up for the end of the month.

Rusty.

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