Halfway Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, lookin' at what Mother Nature's got cookin' for us at Halfway. We've got a solid run of surf on the way, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag in terms of quality. The water's sittin' right on 79°, which is pretty much what you'd expect for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Things kick off Saturday afternoon, 15th of August, with a decent-sized 8 ft SSW groundswell. That's a heavy number, over 8 ft, so this one's for the experienced crew only. It's pushing some serious energy (3202) and a very long 17-second period. That long period stuff, it’s gonna wrap around and offer up some proper shape at Halfway, but it can also make things a bit fat and straight at a beach break. The wind is a cross-off from the SE at 13 mph, which will keep things reasonably clean but not glassy.

Sunday morning the 16th is still a standout for the bigger-wave hunters. We're looking at a 7 ft SSW groundswell, still with a long 16-second period and heaps of energy (2243). The wind is lighter from the ESE at 9 mph, making for some clean conditions. This is right at the limit for the average punter. The afternoon sees it drop a touch to 6 ft.

The surf then backs off into Monday the 17th and Tuesday, with waves hovering around 5 ft to 6 ft. It's still rideable, but the energy drops way off. There's a gap of a few days here where the quality is just okay, nothin' to write home about.

Now, hold onto your boards, because Wednesday the 19th is the real deal, the one to circle on the calendar. The morning swell jumps back up to a powerful 8 ft SSW groundswell, but the period stretches out to a very long 18 seconds. The energy is massive at 3535. By the afternoon it nudges up to 8 ft, with energy cracking 4037. This is big, powerful, deep-water energy. Again, this is strictly for the experts – over 8 ft and a period like that will demand respect. The wind is a steady cross-off from the ESE at 13 mph. The setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing for the average surfer, but for the crew with the skills, it's going to be pumping.

Thursday the 20th keeps that energy going with 8 ft SW swell, though the period drops to a very good 16 seconds. Still colossal energy readings in the 3800’s. The cross-off wind keeps it clean.

Friday the 21st we see the swell drop back to 6 ft, but the wind picks up to a fresh 19 mph from the ESE. It'll be bumpy, but still a cross-off.

For the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd, we're in the 6 ft to 8 ft range. Consistent SSW swell, but with moderate cross-off winds. Good, solid, everyday surf for the intermediate surfer.

Then Monday the 24th morning is a highlight for a different reason. The swell is 6 ft, but we finally get some proper offshore wind from the ESE at 16 mph. The data says "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers," and for a moment there, the conditions will be glassy and clean. A real window of quality before the wind swings cross-off again.

The tail end of the run, from the 27th of August onward, shows a nice pulse of long-period energy. Thursday the 27th morning has a small 4 ft SW groundswell with a 20-second period – that's about as long as it gets. It won't have much push, but it's a sign of things to come. By the afternoon it jumps to 6 ft, and Friday the 28th is back up to a solid 8 ft SW swell with good energy. The winds ease up to a gentle 9 mph breeze, making for some really nice clean waves. Saturday the 29th afternoon looks like another one of those excellent windows for the experienced surfer with a clean 5 ft swell and light winds.

So, to wrap it up: the standout is Wednesday the 19th through Thursday the 20th for the big, powerful groundswell if you've got the skill and the horse-power. The other real gem is Monday the 24th morning for that rare offshore wind.

This is Rusty, signing off. Stay safe out there.

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