Hennemans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, let’s be real. It’s a tough spell for waves around here. The next few weeks are looking pretty flat, so let’s call it what it is.

Right now, the start of August is a real bummer. The only spot on the map is Hennemans, a reef break that’s already inconsistent. The wind is mostly cross-on or onshore, and the swell is tiny, only 1ft to 2ft. We’re seeing a long period groundswell of 15 to 16 seconds, but with such small height and poor wind, it’s not offering a thing. The water is a warm 75°, which is 7° above normal – that’s super unusual for this time of year, but it doesn’t help the waves. The combined energy is weak, ranging from 124 to 225 (low to moderate), and the forecast is calling it poor surf conditions. This is going to be a long, dry spell.

From Monday, August 3rd, right through to the morning of August 14th, it’s a complete washout. Every session is marked as “poor surf conditions” with a score of 0 out of 10. The wind is mostly onshore, the swell stays under 2ft, and the energy never gets going. You’ll be looking at a flat, choppy mess.

Finally, on the afternoon of Friday, August 14th, there’s a little hope. The swell picks up a touch to 2ft, but the period jumps to 19 seconds. The combined energy climbs to 506 (strong), and the forecast shifts to “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions.” That’s the best we’ve got, but it’s still a marginal call. The wind is a gentle cross-onshore, so it won’t give you clean faces.

The best window looks to be the weekend of August 15th and 16th. On Saturday, August 15th, the swell gets to 3ft to 4ft from the SW, with a 16-second period. The combined energy hits 549 to 614 (strong), and the wind is a gentle cross-onshore. It’s still not perfect, but it’s the most promising time. On Sunday, August 16th, it drops back to 3ft, with energy at 430. The wind on the afternoon shifts to a cross-shore, which is a plus, but it’s still only marginal.

After that, it fades again. August 17th and 18th see the swell drop back to 2ft to 3ft, with energy falling to 255 or less. The wind stays cross-shore, but the small size and poor consistency mean you’re better off waiting.

So, the standout? It’s got to be the afternoon of Saturday, August 15th. With a 4ft SW swell, a 16-second period, and strong energy of 614, it’s the biggest and most powerful push of the whole forecast. The wind is a gentle cross-onshore, so it’ll be a bit bumpy, but for this area, that’s your best bet. The reef at Hennemans will handle that long period better than a beach break, giving you some shape. Expect crowds, as it’s inconsistent and sometimes crowded.

Don’t get your hopes up too high for the rest of it. This is a tough stretch, and it’s normal for this area to have flat spells. Hang in there.

Rusty

Read more