Freshwater Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about what’s happening at Freshwater Bay. This is a reef and point setup that’s fairly consistent, but honestly, the next 16 days are a real mixed bag. The water is sitting at 70°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a big anomaly, over four degrees above average, so you’ll be in boardies or a light spring suit for sure.

The first week is a tough one to recommend. We’ve got a persistent run of small, weak swell and poor wind conditions. The overall energy is low, typically under 100 (weak). There’s really no standout surf. The first hint of anything rideable comes on Wednesday, August 7th, with a tiny 1.0ft swell from the WSW and a 5-second period, but the wind is glassy in the morning – that’s the only positive. The swell is just too small to get excited about. The rest of the first week is a mix of cross-onshore and choppy conditions with tiny, weak waves. There’s a gap of nearly no surf from the start until the 13th of August.

Things start to lift a little on Thursday, August 13th. The morning sees a 3ft swell from the WSW with a 9-second period, and the combined energy jumps to 144 (moderate). The wind is a gentle cross-shore, so it’s a bit lumpy, but it’s the most energy we’ve seen. The afternoon gets a bit bigger at 5ft, but the period drops to 5 seconds and the wind freshens, making it messy. That’s not the best option.

The real standout, and the one that’s worth waiting for, arrives on Tuesday, August 19th. The morning has a clean 4ft swell from the WSW with a 9-second period, and the combined energy is a solid 249 (moderate). With a light breeze from the NNE, you’re looking at offshore conditions at Freshwater Bay, which is perfect for this reef and point break. The swell direction is a good match for the optimum SW direction. This is your best window. The afternoon gets a touch bigger at 5ft, but the wind swings cross-onshore, so the morning is the pick.

Just before that, on Monday, August 18th, there’s a bigger 7ft swell from the WSW, but with a short 6-second period and a cross-shore wind, it’s going to be a lumpy, powerful mess. That’s one for experts only, if anyone.

So, for the bulk of the forecast, you’re looking at small, weak, and often onshore conditions. The one true highlight is the morning of August 19th. Keep an eye on that date; it’s a bit out there, but it’s the best promise we’ve got. If you’re desperate, the glassy morning of August 7th might get you a few ankle-biters. Otherwise, be patient.

Rusty.

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