Lefthanders Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up over the next couple of weeks.

We’re talking about Lefthanders, a reef break that’s very consistent and exposed to the swell. The water is sitting at 68.0°, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year—that’s a solid 4.7° above average, so don’t expect a winter wetsuit.

Right now, the outlook is a tough one. The first proper surf we see kicks off on Thursday, 6 August, but it’s a no-go. That’s a 13.1ft swell from the WSW with a 16-second period, which is a very long-period groundswell, and it’s got a heap of energy behind it—combined energy is 9060. But the wind is howling onshore from the W at 35 km/h, and the conditions are just poor. It’s a pass.

Friday, 7 August is more of the same. Swell holds around 13.1ft to 14.8ft from the SW, still with long periods, but the wind is still on it and strong. No good.

Then it gets serious. Saturday, 8 August sees the swell jump to a massive 23.0ft from the SW, with periods around 15-16 seconds and combined energy rocketing up to 24824 in the afternoon. That’s a lot of ocean moving. The wind shifts to a cross-onshore from the SSW at 40-45 km/h, but the problem is the size. This is way too big for beginners, and honestly, for most surfers. The wave comment says the swell is too big for this break. It’s a beast, and it’s messy. Only for absolute experts, and even then, it’s a question of whether you want to paddle out into that.

This pattern of massive, blown-out swell continues right through to Tuesday, 12 August. We’re seeing 19.7ft to 26.2ft swells, strong cross-onshore winds, and combined energy figures between 8446 and 68411. The 68411 on Tuesday, 11 August morning is absolutely insane energy. It’s just not paddle-friendly. This setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Wednesday, 13 August and Thursday, 14 August finally see a drop in wind. The swell is still big—13.1ft from the SW on the 13th, dropping to 9.8ft to 11.5ft on the 14th—but the wind goes light and even cross-offshore from the NE and NNE. The waves are clean. The issue? The wave comment still says the swell is too big for this break. At 9.8ft to 11.5ft with that long period (15-16 seconds), it’s still a heavy, powerful wave. It’s a standout for the clean conditions, but only for strong, experienced surfers.

Now, the best on offer. Friday, 14 August afternoon is the pick of the first week. You’ve got a 9.8ft swell from the SW, a 15-second period, and a light cross-offshore breeze from the NNE at 10 km/h. The combined energy is 4079, which is moderate, but the wave is clean. This is your window if you’ve got the skills.

Saturday, 15 August drops further to 8.2ft, still a 15-second period, but the wind picks up to a fresh 35 km/h from the NNE, cross-offshore. It’s clean, but the wave comment calls it marginal. The energy is down to 3834. It’s doable, but not the best.

From Sunday, 16 August through to Wednesday, 20 August, we’re back into a pattern of big, messy swell. Swells from 11.5ft to 18.0ft, cross-shore winds, and poor surf conditions. The 18.0ft days on the 18th and 19th are just blown out. Not worth it.

Then, finally, Friday, 21 August shows some promise. The swell is 11.5ft to 13.1ft from the SW, still a 16-second period, but the wind is a clean cross-offshore from the SSE at 20-25 km/h. The combined energy is 6709 and 9588—moderate to strong. The wave comment says the swell is too big for this break, but with that clean wind, it could be a standout for the brave. It’s the best-looking day in the second week, but it’s a long-range call, so less certain.

Overall, it’s a tough 16-day window. The surf is almost always too big and windy for comfortable paddling. Friday, 14 August afternoon is the one true standout for cleaner conditions at a more manageable (but still big) size. Friday, 21 August is a promising long-range option if you’re an expert.

Catch you on the beach.

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