Houghton Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards for our local stretch.

Right off the bat, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. We’ve got a solid south swell showing up, but the wind is going to be a real battle for a chunk of this period. The water’s sitting at about 54°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so no surprises there.

We start off with a bit of a dud. The first couple of days are just messy with onshore south winds. Friday the 10th is a write-off, and Saturday the 11th is tiny and weak, with a combined energy of only 294 – not worth getting wet for.

Now, Sunday the 12th is where the first real glimmer of hope shows. We’ve got a light north-northeasterly cross-offshore breeze swinging around to a clean offshore north wind by the afternoon. It’s only 3ft of south-southwest groundswell, with a long period of 12 to 11 seconds, so decent shape. The energy is moderate [284 and 224], but the clean conditions will make it rideable. It’s not a standout, but a good session if you’re keen.

The next few days from Monday the 13th through to Thursday the 17th are a write-off. Strong offshore winds on Monday, but the swell is tiny, then the wind just hammers us with strong breezes and the surf energy is pitiful. It’s a proper flat spell.

We get a real tease on Saturday the 18th. The morning shows 8ft of lumpy south swell with a short period of 6 seconds, and a light north-west cross-offshore breeze. The energy is moderate [855]. It could be fun for a few hours, but that window slams shut fast because the afternoon brings a near gale from the south and the swell jumps to 10ft with a combined energy of 1649 – that’s full-on, messy, and dangerous.

Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th are blown out again. Too much wind, too much size for comfort, and it’s just a battle zone.

Right, here’s the moment you’ve been waiting for. Tuesday the 21st of July is the absolute standout of this outlook. The morning is absolutely glassy, with barely a breath of wind from the west-southwest, and 7ft of solid south swell. The energy is a healthy 798. By the afternoon, it swings to a light offshore from the north-northwest, staying clean with 7ft of swell. This is the session to circle on the calendar. It’s clean, has decent size, and Houghton Bay should be handling it well.

Wednesday the 22nd is also a top-tier offering for the experienced crew. The swell holds at over 7ft from the south, with a long period of 12 seconds, and a moderate offshore from the north-northeast. The energy is strong [1213 and 1078]. This is excellent, powerful surf that will need a bit of respect. It’s best left for the guys and gals who know what they’re doing.

The tail end of the forecast from Thursday the 23rd through Saturday the 25th drops back down in size, with clean offshore winds but smaller 4ft to 2ft waves. Good clean fun for a log or a fish, but not the grunty stuff from the middle of the week.

So, to sum it up: the big wins are Tuesday the 21st for glassy, clean conditions, and Wednesday the 22nd for the more powerful, offshore wave. Get on it while it’s good.

Rusty.

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