Ilbaritz - Edouard VII Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a look at the outlook for Ilbaritz - Edouard VII. This is a reef break, intermediate-friendly, and it faces west, so it’s waiting for any decent WNW-to-NW swell to light up. We’re in for a rough ride at first, with a whole heap of days that simply aren’t worth paddling out for.

The water here is sitting at 77°, which is a massive 7° warmer than normal for the time of year – that’s pretty bloody unusual, so don’t expect your usual winter wetsuit.

From now, starting on Saturday 18 July, right through until the end of the month, it’s a bleak picture. We’re talking a solid 8 days of nearly nothing – flat to tiny dribble with onshore winds messing things up. The swell is tiny, mostly 0.7 ft to 3 ft, and the period is short, around 6 to 8 seconds, meaning weak, sloppy waves. The combined swell energy barely gets into double digits most days, sitting around 10 to 87 – that’s weak energy, no power behind it. Winds are mostly onshore or cross-onshore, so don’t expect any clean faces. There’s a brief window on Tuesday 21 July morning with glassy conditions, but the swell is still only 3 ft and short period – surfable but pretty ordinary.

The first real standout doesn’t come until Monday 27 July. That morning, the wind goes glassy from the NNW, and we get a proper lift. Swell jumps to 4 ft from the NW with a period of 10 seconds – that’s a solid groundswell, and the combined energy hits 308 (moderate energy). This is the best on offer for the whole outlook. Clean, glassy waves at a reef break with that west exposure – should be some nice, lined-up waves. It’s worth waiting for.

Tuesday 28 July morning also looks promising with clean conditions and a light offshore wind (N 6 mph, cross-off), swell 4 ft NW at 9 seconds, energy 222 – good but not as glassy.

Wednesday 29 July morning has a proper offshore from the east at 6 mph, swell 4 ft NW at 9 seconds, energy 226 – another solid morning for the crew who can get out.

Now, by Saturday 1 August, we get another standout. Early morning is glassy, swell 5 ft from the NW at 10 seconds, combined energy a meaty 508 (moderate-to-strong wave energy). That’s a serious step up in size. At 5 ft, it’s still fine for most intermediates, but it’s pushing toward the bigger end. If you’re a beginner, that might be a bit much. The period is 10 seconds – not super long, but enough to hold shape. This is your best bet for size and clean conditions. Crowds are listed as ‘often’ here, so expect company when it’s this good.

Sunday 2 August morning is also glassy again, with 5 ft NW swell at 9 seconds, energy 321 – another clean morning to wrap up the run.

By the second week, the pattern holds: mornings are the key. The afternoons get wrecked by cross-onshore wind. So aim for the early sessions.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a total write-off. The real action kicks off Monday 27 July through to Sunday 2 August, with the standout being Saturday 1 August for the best combo of size, glass, and energy. Get in the water early.

Rusty.

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