Lakes Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s talk about what’s shaping up at Lakes Beach. This is a sandbar setup that’s exposed to the swell, so it can fire when conditions line up, but it’s also an advanced wave – not for the faint-hearted.

The water temperature is sitting at 66°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year – nothing funky going on there.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start. Tuesday the 21st is a write-off with a cross-on wind and mediocre energy, so don’t bother. Wednesday the 22nd morning looks a little better with a cross-off breeze and clean conditions, but the swell is only 4ft from the ENE with a period of 10 seconds and combined energy of 268 – nothing to write home about.

Thursday the 23rd is a bit of a tease. The morning has offshore wind from the WSW, clean conditions, but the swell drops to 3ft from the ENE, 9 seconds, and energy of just 126. It’s surfable, but ordinary.

Now, Friday the 24th morning is where things get real – but not for everyone. The swell jumps to 8ft from the south, with a period of 10 seconds and combined energy of 1654. That’s moderate to strong energy, and the wind is offshore and clean. But here’s the thing: for a sandbar, that’s too big. This is an expert-only zone, and even then, it’s pushing it. The forecast says it’s too big for this break, so unless you’re a seasoned charger, stay on the beach.

Saturday the 25th morning is a standout. The swell drops to 6ft from the south, period 11 seconds – that’s a long-period groundswell, which means better shaped waves and more energy between sets. The wind is cross-offshore from the WNW, clean, and the combined energy is 699. This is the best on offer in the near-term. The longer period will make paddling out easier, and the waves should have some punch. Just be aware that crowds are possible here.

Sunday the 26th morning is still decent with 5ft south swell, 11 seconds, and offshore wind from the SW, but the energy is a bit lower at 457.

Monday the 27th morning has a small 4ft south swell, 9 seconds, but it’s clean with a cross-off breeze. Not a standout, but a session.

Then we hit a dry spell. From Tuesday the 28th through to Wednesday the 29th morning, the swell gets too big again – 10ft from the south on Wednesday morning with energy of 2897 – that’s very strong, and again, too big for this break. Thursday the 30th morning is glassy with 8ft south swell, but still too big for most.

The next real highlight is Friday the 31st morning. Swell drops to 5ft from the south, period 8 seconds (shorter period), but the wind is cross-offshore from the SW and clean. Combined energy is 609 – moderate. It’s a good clean session, but not as good as the 25th.

Saturday the 1st of August morning is glassy – wind from the WNW, light air, clean. Swell is 5ft from the SE, 9 seconds, energy 535. That kind of glassy morning is rare, and it’s a treat. The wind will be perfect, and the waves will be clean. This is another standout, but it’s over a week away, so take it as promising but not locked in.

After that, the swell fades. Sunday the 2nd morning has a small 4ft SE swell with offshore wind, but it’s weak. Monday the 3rd is onshore and messy. The rest of the run into the 5th of August is small and weak, with energy dropping below 100 – not worth paddling out for.

So, if you’re looking for the best, Saturday the 25th July morning is the pick – clean offshore wind, a solid 6ft south groundswell at 11 seconds, and good energy. That’s the one to circle. The glassy Saturday morning of the 1st of August is also a beauty, but it’s a long way off.

Rusty.

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