Hat Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here.

Look, it’s been a bit quiet out there, but the surf is about to wake up. We’ve got a run of days ahead at Hat Head that’ll get you keen, especially if you’re after clean lines and a bit of juice. The water temp is sitting right on average for this time of year at 68°, so nothing out of the ordinary there.

The first real glimmer comes on Monday morning, the 24th of August. It’s a glassy start with the wind dead calm from the north at 3 mph, and the swell is a clean 3 ft out of the south at 11 seconds. That’s a proper groundswell, and with the S offshores that show up later, the point will be running smooth. The combined energy is moderate at 320 (units), so it’s not a monster, but it’s a solid little window for a paddle. This is a beginner-friendly spot, and with the offshore winds, it’ll be a joy. Keep in mind, it’s an inconsistent break and can get crowded at times, but that Monday morning is a standout.

The real highlight, though, comes a week later on Monday morning, the 31st of August. This is the one to circle on the calendar. We’re looking at 4 ft of south swell with a very long period of 17 seconds, and the wind is glassy from the north-northeast at just 3 mph. The combined energy is through the roof at 1863 (units), which is a serious pulse of power. That’s a big, clean groundswell hitting the point, and with the glass, it’ll be absolutely flawless. This is for experienced surfers only, as the size and power will be too much for beginners. The longer period also means longer lulls between sets, which makes paddling out easier, but the waves will be walled up and punchy. This is the best on offer, no question.

The week leading up to that has some decent options, too. Sunday morning, the 30th of August, sees a 5 ft S swell at 10 seconds with a clean offshore breeze from the south at 9 mph. The energy is strong at 708 (units), and it’ll be clean and fun. Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th also have some good morning windows with S swell around 4 ft to 5 ft and light cross-offshore winds, but the energy is a bit lower.

After that big Monday, the surf tapers off. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings are still surfable, with 4 ft and 2 ft S swells respectively, but the winds are less ideal. By Thursday, the 3rd of September, the swell drops to a tiny 2 ft, and we’re into a flat spell that lasts through to the end of the forecast. There’s a few days there with nothing worth chasing, but after a run like that, you can’t complain.

Keep your eyes on that Monday the 31st – that’s the one that’ll stick in your memory.

Rusty.

Read more