Hilton Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Hilton has got cooking for the next couple of weeks. Straight up, I gotta be honest with you – it’s a tough stretch. There’s not a single day in this whole 16-day window that I’d call a standout. In fact, there are no good surf options at all. This is one of those blank runs that just happens sometimes around here. The swell energy stays weak – most of the time we’re looking at values in the 10 to 34 range (weak energy), just barely flickering up to around 125 (weak to moderate) on the 25th, but even that comes with poor conditions. Forecasts can change, but for now, it’s looking pretty grim.

Let’s break it down day by day. Starting Tuesday 14 July, the swell at Hilton is tiny – 0.7m (about 2 ft) from the WNW with a short period of 6 seconds. Winds are cross-onshore from the SSW at 10 km/h (6 mph), and the wave comment says "poor surf conditions." The energy is a measly 34. That continues through Wednesday 15 July with a slightly better 0.9m (3 ft) swell (period 8 secs) and energy up to 93, but still cross-onshore. Thursday 16 July, same story – 0.9m (3 ft) and 8 seconds, but by afternoon the wind picks up to 20 km/h (12 mph) from the NW, making it choppy. Friday 17 July, the swell drops to 0.5m (2 ft) and 6 seconds, energy down to 23. Not worth paddling out.

Saturday 18 July morning, we get a bit of relief – winds go glassy from the WSW at only 5 km/h (3 mph). But the swell is still just 0.6m (2 ft) at 7 seconds, energy 31. The water temp is not mentioned, so let’s say it’s about average for the time of year. Still, "poor surf conditions" is the call. Sunday 19 July morning is glassy again with 0.6m (2 ft) swell, but the energy is only 33. By afternoon, the wind turns cross-onshore again. This pattern of tiny swell and poor conditions just drags on through the week. Monday 20 July, Tuesday 21 July, Wednesday 22 July – all the same: swell below 0.7m (2 ft), weak energy, and cross-onshore or onshore winds. Crowds at Hilton are listed as "sometimes," so there could be a few out, but honestly, not even the locals will be excited.

Even when we get to Saturday 25 July, the biggest swell in the forecast – 1.0m (3 ft) from the WNW with an 8-second period and energy of 125 – it’s still rated "poor surf conditions" with onshore winds from the W at 20 km/h (12 mph) in the afternoon. That’s not rideable for anyone who wants a decent wave. The rest of the run into the end of July is just more of the same: 0.5m to 0.9m (2 to 3 ft), short period, poor quality. The setup at Hilton, being a reef break, usually needs a proper swell to work, and with the wind mostly cross-onshore or onshore, there’s really nothing to get excited about.

So, my honest take? Leave the boards in the car for this stretch. The water might feel about average for July, but the surf is a no-go. If a storm pops up somewhere and changes things, we’ll see, but as it stands, this is a washout. Keep your eye on the charts, but don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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