Lefthanders Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right. Rusty here. Let's talk about what’s coming down the line for Lefthanders. This is a reef break that’s very consistent, wide open to the swell, and best when that energy comes from the west-southwest. But I’ll be straight with you—this whole 16-day window is a weird one for this spot. The swell is pumping, absolutely huge, but for a beginner-friendly reef like this, it’s just too much. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

The outlook starts on Tuesday, 11 August, with a massive 20ft SW swell carrying some serious grunt—combined energy is 17353 (very strong). But it’s blowing 19 mph cross-onshore, making it lumpy, and frankly, that wave height is only for the hardcore or the insane. It’s too big for this break for most of us.

Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th see the swell ease a bit, still 13ft to 15ft SW, with long periods around 15–17 seconds. Energy is still well up there (8696 to 10444). Thursday morning looks tempting with only 3 mph cross-shore wind and nearly glassy conditions, but the size is still a problem. It’s clean but overhead-plus for days.

Friday the 14th morning shows a drop to 12ft SW, with 9 mph cross-offshore wind and the flag saying clean. The combined energy is 6227 (moderate to strong). This is a standout moment for experienced surfers only. The swell direction (SW) lines up well with Lefthanders’ optimum (WSW). It’s still big, over 8ft, so this is expert territory only, but the conditions are as good as they’ll get.

Saturday the 15th morning holds 10ft SW with 12 mph cross-offshore and a clean face, but it’s still too big for this beginner reef. The afternoon drops to 8ft, but the wind goes cross-shore with a chop—marginal at best.

Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th are a washout: Sunday has 12ft SW and clean offshore winds, but still too big. Monday the 17th brings rain and howling 25 mph onshore wind, with 15ft WSW swell—total mess.

From Tuesday the 18th onward, the trend continues: big swell (10ft to 21ft), long periods, and mostly messy cross-onshore wind or, on the 19th, strong 25 mph cross-offshore that’s technically “clean” but for a 20ft swell? Only the bravest. The energy readings stay in the strong to very strong range (3625 to 18316).

There’s really only one session that stands out for quality: Friday 14 August morning. A 12ft SW swell, clean cross-offshore breeze from the NNE, and the reef will be handling the energy beautifully. But it’s a true big-wave session—only for experts. Crowds are often here, but on a day like this, you’ll have it to yourselves.

Everything else in this 16-day run is either too big, too windy, or both. If you’re a beginner or intermediate, take a break. For the pros, that Friday morning window is your best bet.

Rusty.

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