Southport Main Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for Southport Main Beach over the next couple of weeks.

To be straight with you, the first week or so is a tough one. We’ve got a long stretch of small, weak energy and messy winds. The water temp is sittin’ around 69°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real pulse of energy that’s worth talkin’ about doesn’t show up until Sunday, August 2nd. That afternoon, we see a jump in swell height to 6ft from the SSE, with an 8-second period and combined energy of 497 (moderate). The problem is the wind is a moderate cross-shore from the SSE at 16 mph, which will keep things lumpy and chopped up. The surf report says "poor surf conditions," so don’t get your hopes up too high.

Monday, August 3rd, keeps the swell going – 5ft from the SE in the morning, period 10 seconds, energy 500 (moderate). But again, a fresh cross-shore at 19 mph will make it a bumpy ride. Afternoon gets a bit bigger at 7ft, but the wind goes cross-on, making it lumpy. This is still in the "poor surf conditions" camp.

The real standout, and the one I’d be lookin’ at, is Thursday, August 6th through Friday, August 7th. We get a solid groundswell push. Thursday morning sees 6ft from the ESE, period 11 seconds, with a combined energy of 790 (strong). The wind is a moderate cross-shore from the S at 16 mph. The report calls it "marginal" – not perfect, but a step up from the rest. Then Friday, August 7th, is the best of the bunch. Morning brings 6ft from the ESE, but the period jumps to 14 seconds – that’s a proper long-period groundswell. Energy hits 1336 (very strong). The wind is still a moderate cross-shore from the S at 16 mph. This is the one with the most grunt and potential. The afternoon holds similar energy at 1043. That long period will make the waves more powerful and lined up, but at a beach break like Southport, it can get a bit straight and shifty. Still, this is the best on offer.

After that, the swell backs off through the 8th, dropping to 4ft from the ESE, period 12 seconds, but the wind picks up and goes cross-on, so it’s back to being lumpy.

Overall, it’s a quiet start, then a decent pulse of energy around the 6th and 7th. Don’t expect perfection, but if you’re keen, Friday the 7th is your best shot at some decent, powerful waves. Keep an eye on the wind, ‘cause it’ll be the deciding factor.

Rusty.

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