Long Strand-Castlefreke Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what we’ve got on the cards.

Right off the bat, I’ve got to be straight with you – this is a tough stretch for the Long Strand-Castlefreke zone. We’ve got a solid 16-day window ahead, but honestly, the first two weeks are looking pretty grim. For the first several days, we’re talking tiny, knee-high dribble with a combined swell energy that barely gets out of single digits. On the 7th of July, Tuesday morning, we had a glassy 0.3ft south swell, but it’s just too small to bother with. This flat spell drags on for days.

There’s a bit of a tease around the 12th of July, Sunday afternoon, where a 0.7ft SSW swell shows up with a very long 21-second period and combined energy hitting 69, but it’s still not enough to get excited about. We get a persistent easterly offshore wind from that point, which would keep things clean, but the swell height just never gets going. The water temperature is sitting around 59°F, which is pretty average for this time of year, nothing unusual.

By the 14th of July, Tuesday morning, we see the combined energy bump to 123, which is moderate, and the swell height remains at 1.0ft from the SSW. The offshore flow stays clean, but honestly, at this size, you’re still looking at marginal, gutless waves. This spot is exposed to a SW swell direction, and our optimum swell is also from the SW, so the angle is right – but the size just isn't there. For an advanced break like this, it’s frustrating.

If I had to pick the best of a very poor bunch, I’d point to that period from the 14th of July through the 16th of July. On the 16th, Thursday morning, we get a glassy 1.0ft SSW swell with a 14-second period and combined energy of 48 – clean, small, and long-interval. It’s not what you'd call surf, but it’s the least bad window. Beyond that, the second week fades back into tiny, weak swells and inconsistent wind. Nothing here is going to get the heart racing, I’m afraid.

Honestly, this stretch looks more interesting for a kite surfer than a paddle surfer. The wind is often strong and clean offshore, but the swell is just non-existent for a proper wave. There are no standouts. Keep the board waxed and wait for the next system. Forecasts can change, but this one’s a tough read.

This is Rusty, signing off.

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