Lefthanders Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up at Lefthanders.

We’ve got a classic case of too much of a good thing to start – large, powerful SW groundswell battering this exposed reef. The water is sitting at a touch warmer than normal for the time of year, just under 68°.

The first real sniff of action is actually pretty tough. Tuesday afternoon (14 July) there’s a 10ft SW swell with a 14-second period and a gentle cross-offshore breeze, making it look clean. The problem is the size – that’s big wave territory, only for experts. Same story for Wednesday morning (15 July): a bigger 10ft SW groundswell, period up to 17 seconds, and a fresh NNE cross-off breeze keeping it clean. The combined wave energy is massive (4543), but it’s just too large for most. The Wednesday afternoon session gets a strong cross-shore wind and it’s a write-off. Thursday (16 July) keeps the size up around 10ft, mostly from the WSW, with a light cross-onshore wind – still only for the experienced crew. Friday (17 July) the swell backs off a touch to 7ft, but the wind turns onshore and it gets lumpy. Saturday (18 July) is a full-on beast mode, with a 20ft to 16ft WSW swell and howling onshore wind – don’t even think about it. That big swell energy (10804+) is just a mess. The onslaught continues through to Wednesday (22 July) with 12ft to 10ft SW swells, but the wind is still onshore or cross-onshore, creating poor conditions.

We hit a sweet spot briefly on Wednesday afternoon (22 July). The swell is still a chunky 12ft from the SW (14-second period), but the wind goes glassy. It’s a special moment of pure, clean lines, but that size still means it’s for experts only. A gentle cross-offshore on Thursday morning (23 July) keeps it in the game for the big wave guys.

After that, things get messy again with strong winds, but look ahead to Monday morning (27 July). The swell drops right back to a manageable 3ft from the SW, but the period stretches to a very long 18 seconds. Offshore SE winds make it clean. It’s a groundswell, so at a reef setup like this, those long-period lines will wrap in beautifully. The wave energy is moderate (1041), making it fun for a wider range. Tuesday morning (28 July) is also a standout: a 6ft WSW swell with a 16-second period and clean cross-offshore wind. Good shape, good energy (1662), and perfect conditions for the experienced surfer.

The best of the whole run for most surfers? I’m calling Monday 27 July morning. That 3ft SW groundswell with a 18-second period and offshore wind is going to be peeling off clean. It won’t be huge, but the quality will be elite.

After that, there’s a massive swell coming back for Wednesday (29 July) – 13ft at 12 seconds from the W, then 12ft at 18 seconds from the WSW. Clean winds, but way too big for anything but the most seasoned charger.

Rusty.

Read more