Hotel Novotel Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight with you: the next couple of weeks are looking pretty grim for a proper paddle. We’ve got a whole lot of small, short-period, and chopped-up surf on the menu, with cross-shore winds messing up most of the lines. If you were hoping for a classic, you’re going to be waiting a while.

The first real highlight doesn’t show up until Tuesday the 25th. Before that, we’re looking at a stretch of days where the waves are just too weak and messy to get excited about. It’s not going to be a total flat spell, but it’s close. Expect to be frustrated if you’re chasing anything decent.

The standout window is the afternoon of Tuesday, August 25th, at Hotel Novotel. The swell comes up to a more solid 7ft, straight out of the E. The energy jumps right up (2138 combined) which is a big jump from the weak stuff we've been seeing. Check the period on that – 12 seconds – that’s proper groundswell, and it’s going to have some push. The wind even goes a bit cross-off, cleaning it up nicely. This is the pick of the bunch, but keep in mind, when the swell gets to 7ft, that’s getting a bit serious for the groms. It’s an expert's wave that afternoon.

The other one to keep an eye on is the Thursday the 27th, afternoon. It’s small, only 3ft, but the wind goes glassy. That’s the kind of clean and inviting small wave that’s fun on a longboard. It’s about the quality of the moment, not the size. A real treat after all the chop. But it's still a small one.

Now, water temp is sitting at 84°, which is right about normal for this time of year, so the spring suit can stay home. It’s a lukewarm bath out there.

From the 28th onwards, it looks like we’re back to the same old story: small, short-period slop with cross-shore winds. The energy is weak to moderate, and the swell direction doesn’t change the game. There’s a risk of thunderstorms early in September, so at least there’ll be something to look at, even if the surf is a write-off.

The long-range stuff for the first week of September is nothing to write home about. The swell is tiny and the winds are back to cross. It’s a waiting game. The earlier surge on the 25th is the main event; don’t miss it. After that, keep your expectations low and your board bag ready for better days.

This one’s a grind, folks. But that’s the ocean for you.

Rusty, out.

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