Lefthanders Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got one break on the menu for the next 16 days, and it’s a bit of a beast. Lefthanders is a reef break, very consistent, exposed to the swell, and ideal when the swell comes from the WSW—which is exactly what’s lined up. But here’s the thing: pretty much the whole run is too big for most, especially beginners. The water’s sitting at a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, about 67°F with an anomaly of 4°F—so a bit on the balmy side.

The first proper surf window isn’t until Monday 17 August, but it’s a shocker. Solid 20ft swell from the WSW at 12 seconds, but the wind is howling onshore at 28 mph. Total wave energy is strong at 9973. That’s a total write-off—poor surf conditions. Not worth the paddle.

Tuesday 18 August morning is where things get interesting. The swell drops to 15ft, still big, but now the wind is offshore from the WNW at 12 mph. The period jumps to 16 seconds—very long period groundswell. That means long, powerful lines, and at a reef like this, it’ll hold up beautifully. The energy is massive at 11395. This is a standout for experienced surfers only. It’s too big for beginners, but if you’ve got the balls, the morning session looks clean and firing. That afternoon the wind swings cross-onshore, so get in early.

Wednesday 19 August keeps the 15ft swell with a 15-second period, and both morning and afternoon have light offshore winds (9 mph). More long-period power with energy around 8846 to 10681. Again, expert territory, but the quality is there. The water’s holding that warmer-than-average feel.

Thursday 20 August sees the swell easing to 12-13ft, still big, but the wind goes cross-onshore. Cleaner in the morning, but still choppy later. Still too big for beginners.

Friday 21 August morning is a gem. Swell at 12ft from the SW, 14-second period, and the wind goes glassy—absolutely flat calm. That is pristine. The energy is still strong at 4869. This is another standout moment: glassy conditions on a solid, long-period swell at a reef break. It’ll be a bit of a paddle out between sets, but the waves will be epic. Not for learners though.

Saturday 22 August morning repeats that glassy magic: 10ft, 16-second period, calm wind, energy at 4471. Beautiful. The afternoon turns cross-shore and drops to 8ft—marginal by comparison.

Sunday 23 August is a write-off. Winds pick up cross-onshore and choppy. Swell jumps back to 10ft, but the quality is gone.

Monday 24 August has a decent morning window with offshore wind and 12ft swell at 13 seconds, but the afternoon turns onshore again.

Tuesday 25 August sees a surge: 13ft from the SW at 13 seconds, energy spiking to 12457. That’s strong. Wind is light cross-onshore. Still expert-only.

From Wednesday 26 August onward, the swell slowly drops, but the wind stays mostly cross-onshore or cross. Thursday 27 August morning is worth noting: 8ft, 14-second period, and glassy calm winds. Excellent for experienced surfers, but the size is finally getting manageable for intermediates—still a bit punchy though.

Friday 28 August has clean cross-offshore winds in the morning, 12ft, 14 seconds—solid and clean for the good crew.

Saturday 29 August is marginal at best, with fresh winds making it messy.

Sunday 30 August sees a new pulse: 12ft at 18 seconds—very long period. That’s a proper groundswell, but the wind is cross-onshore and the energy is strong at 7282. Too big and blown out.

Monday 31 August through Tuesday 1 September is pure chaos: gale-force onshore winds, 13-16ft swell, blown out. Stay home.

Overall, the best sessions are Tuesday 18 August morning, Friday 21 August morning, and Saturday 22 August morning. All glassy or offshore, with solid to big long-period swell. Expert territory, but for those who can handle it, it’s gonna be unreal.

Rusty.

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