Hideaway Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming our way.

The window starts with a bit of a nothing burger, but things pick up from Wednesday 22 July. Overall, the pattern is a mix of solid groundswell pulses and moderate winds, which means we’ll have to pick our moments carefully. The best of the best? I’d say the early morning of Thursday 30 July is a real standout, and the long-range morning of Tuesday 4 August also looks worth a look.

The first decent surf hits on Wednesday morning 22 July. Hideaway is a reef break, advanced only, and it rarely breaks, so you’ve got to be on it. Swell is coming from the SSW at 4ft with a long 14-second period, giving it some real punch. The combined energy is moderate at 840. Winds are light cross-shore from the SE at 6 mph, so it’s a little bumpy, but the water is 77° with a normal anomaly for the time of year. By Wednesday afternoon, the wind shifts to a cross-offshore from the E, cleaning it right up, and the swell drops to 3ft. That afternoon session is the pick of the day.

Thursday 23 July is a write-off. The swell jumps to 7ft from the S, but with a short 10-second period and strong cross-on winds from the SE at 16 mph, it’s choppy and messy – a solid 0 score. The energy is strong at 1876, but the wind ruins it. Same vibe through the weekend. Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July have small, cleanish windows, but the swell is under 3ft and the energy is weak to moderate (445). Sunday 26 July morning has a clean 3ft SSE swell with a 12-second period, cross-off wind from the E at 9 mph, and moderate energy at 378 – it’s rideable, but nothing to write home about.

Now, Monday 27 July brings a big pulse. The swell is 7ft from the SSW, but with a very long 16-second period. The combined energy is strong at 2221. Problem is, the wind is cross-shore from the SE at 12 mph, creating a cross-chop, and the tide might be an issue. At 7ft, it’s getting into expert-only territory. This trend continues through Tuesday 28 July and Wednesday 29 July, with swell around 6ft to 7ft, moderate energy, and persistent cross-shore winds. The conditions are marginal at best.

Then we get the real gem. Thursday 30 July morning is the standout. The swell is a clean 3ft from the SSE with a 12-second period, and the wind is a light cross-offshore from the ENE at 6 mph. That’s glassy conditions. The combined energy is moderate at 744, and the forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the one to circle. The break is rarely breaking, so when it’s on, it’s on. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

The rest of the first week into August is a mixed bag. Friday 31 July is marginal with cross-shore winds. Saturday 1 August has a 5ft SSW swell with a very long 17-second period, but afternoon winds go cross-on and kill it. Sunday 2 August is similar. But look at Tuesday 4 August morning. The swell is 4ft from the S with a long 15-second period, the energy is strong at 1727, and the wind is a clean cross-offshore from the E at 12 mph. That’s a serious session for the advanced crew. The direction is right for the reef.

Through the rest of the week, the swell fades. By Wednesday 5 August and Thursday 6 August, we’re down to 2ft from the SW, with moderate onshore winds and weak energy (330). The window closes out with poor conditions.

So, to wrap it up: the best bet is the morning of Thursday 30 July for clean, long-period waves, and the morning of Tuesday 4 August for a bigger, more powerful groundswell if you’ve got the skills. The rest is a pick-and-choose game with the wind.

Stay stoked,
Rusty

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