Indicators Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’m gonna level with you – for this stretch of coast, we’re in for a pretty average run. There’s nothing in the 16-day window that screams “standout,” and the first week especially is more about waiting than riding. The whole period is peppered with marginal to poor conditions, but there is one little window near the end that might just save us.

The only break that’s even worth mentioning in the guidance is Indicators. It’s a point break, sheltered from the swell, and it likes the swell coming from the WNW. It’s for advanced surfers only, and it’s fairly consistent, but the crowds are often there. It’s a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, with the water sitting at 61°F, about 3°F above average.

Now, for the start of the outlook, we’ve got nothing. The first actual surf recommendation doesn’t show up until Tuesday 18 August morning, and it’s a dud. Swell is only 3 ft from the SSW with a 15-second period – that’s a long period groundswell, but the energy is only moderate (381) and the surf is “poor.” Onshore wind from the WSW at 3 mph doesn’t help.

We then drift through a series of marginal days. Wednesday 19 August and Thursday 20 August see the same 3 ft to 2 ft SSW swell, with onshore to cross-onshore winds. The combined energy moves between moderate (450 to 430), but nothing cleans up. Friday 21 August morning is poor again with a 2 ft SSW swell (356), but that afternoon shows a slight uptick – 4 ft from the WNW with an 11-second period (524). Even so, it’s only marginal with cross-onshore wind.

The next few days, from Saturday 22 August to Wednesday 26 August, are basically a write-off. Swells are small (1 ft to 4 ft), periods are short (8 seconds) to long (19 seconds), and the combined energy is moderate (199 to 361). Onshore winds keep everything messy.

Thursday 27 August offers a little hope. Swell bumps up to 5 ft from the WNW (452), and by the afternoon it’s 5 ft (575). That’s right on the edge of being too big for beginners, but the wind turns cross-onshore in the arvo. Still, for the consistent surfer, it’s the best we’ve seen in a while.

Friday 28 August morning looks okay – 2 ft SSW swell with a 17-second period (561) and glassy conditions, but the afternoon turns messier with 5 ft WNW (585) and a 9 mph cross-onshore wind. That setup might be more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

The weekend (29-30 August) is a step backwards. Swells stay around 3-3 ft, but the winds pick up, especially Sunday arvo with a fresh breeze at 19 mph from the WNW. Choppy and lumpy is the name of the game.

Here’s a standout, though, and it’s the one to circle. Thursday 27 August morning is the best on offer. Head to Indicators. The swell is 5 ft from the WNW, with a 9-second period (452). The water is onshore but light, and the wind is true offshore from the WSW at 3 mph. That’ll give you clean, lined-up waves at this point break. It’s not massive, but it’s the cleanest of the run.

The second highlight is Friday 28 August morning at Indicators. Swell drops to 2 ft from the SSW, but the period is a very long 17 seconds (561). That kind of groundswell will wrap nicely around the point, and with glassy conditions from a 3 mph WSW wind, it’ll be inviting. Expect longer lulls between sets, but the waves that come through will have real push.

After that, the outlook fizzles. End of August and into September (Monday 31 August to Wednesday 2 September) sees small to moderate SSW swell (2-3 ft) with combined energy ranging from 245 to 604. The mornings on Tuesday 1 September and Wednesday 2 September are glassy, but nothing special. The afternoon winds pick up, especially Wednesday arvo with a fresh 19 mph cross-onshore breeze.

So there you have it. Not a banner run, but if you pick your morning sessions around Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August, you might just get a couple of clean ones. Be patient, keep your eyes on the horizon, and remember – it’s always better than sitting on the beach.

Rusty.

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