Hennemans Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Hennemans has got cooking for us over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, it's a bit of a slow start. For the first week and a half, from now through to the 22nd of July, the surf is pretty darn marginal. We’re seeing small swells, mostly in the 2ft to 3ft range, and the wind is a constant problem. It’s either cross, cross-on, or onshore, which is keeping the surface chopped up and messy. We’re looking at combined swell energy readings sitting between 200 and 500 (weak to moderate), so there’s just not enough push or shape to get excited about. It’s a real grind for anyone chasing a decent wave.

The water temperature is sitting at 72°F, which is a massive 5°F warmer than usual for this time of year. That’s a real standout; feels like a bath out there, but the surf quality just isn't matching up.

Now, I’m not going to call any of those early days a standout. Let’s be real. The first sign of a pulse comes on the 19th of July, with a 4ft SSW swell showing up, but the onshore wind kills it. Keep your eyes on Thursday the 23rd of July. That afternoon, a 5ft SSW swell (14-second period) hits with glassy conditions. The wind drops to a glassy 5 km/h from the SSE. This is the real window. The combined energy jumps to 829 (moderate), and for the first time in the whole forecast, we get a "very good surf conditions" call. That’s the best on offer for the whole period.

As we push into the final week, the swell actually builds. Friday the 24th of July, the swell hits 6ft, and by Saturday the 25th it’s a solid 7ft. The combined energy rockets up to 2366 and 2254 (strong to very strong) on those days. But here’s the catch: the wind turns cross-shore, so while the size is there, the surface is not going to be as clean as that Thursday. The 7ft+ stuff is getting into the realm of experienced surfers only. For a reef break like Hennemans, that long-period SSW groundswell (14-16 seconds) will wrap in nicely, but the cross-shore breeze will keep it from being perfect.

The surf then fades again through the end of the month, back to 4ft and onshore winds, so not much to write home about.

Best Bet: Make your move on Thursday the 23rd of July. The swell is manageable at 5ft, the period is a long 14 seconds from the SSW, and the wind is glassy. The water is still warm, and the waves will be clean. It’s the only day in the whole forecast that gets the "very good" stamp. Even though crowds are possible at this spot, it’s worth the gamble.

Rusty.

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