Manly Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s size up the Manly forecast in good old feet and miles.

First real surf hits Saturday afternoon July 4th, but it’s not much. A weak south swell at 3ft with a period around 9 seconds, and a 9 mph cross wind from the southeast puts a little chop on it. Wave energy is low (256). Water temp is 65°, which is dead average for the season. Not worth the drive.

Sunday July 5th brings a proper pulse: 11–12ft south swell, with a long period of 11 seconds, jumping to 14 seconds in the afternoon. Wave energy cranks to 2556 in the morning, then 4087. Winds are 19–22 mph from the SSE, cross-off, so it’s clean. At 11–12ft, this is for experts only—beginners stay on the sand. Manly is a point break, so that long-period energy will wrap in nicely, but expect crowds often.

Monday July 6th through Wednesday July 8th stays solid: solid 8–12ft swell from the SSE and SE, with moderate to strong wave energy (around 1400–2800). Winds stay cross-off at 16 mph. Clean, but still big and marginal for most. Not the top pick.

Thursday July 9th and Friday July 10th drop to around 6ft from the SE, with periods of 9–11 seconds. Energy settles to 600–900. Thursday morning has a 9 mph offshore from the southwest, delivering clean conditions. Friday morning has light cross-off airs. Better for a wider crew, but not a standout.

Then we hit a gap from Saturday July 11th to Tuesday July 14th. Swell plummets to 1–2ft, energy drops under 350, and some days barely 20. Winds variable. A solid four days of flatness.

The big standout is Wednesday July 15th: a 13ft south swell with an 11-second period, and wave energy at a massive 3722. Offshore wind from the southwest at 12 mph, so the waves are lined up and clean. This is expert country only—over 8ft and it’s serious. The point will handle it with style. Afternoon drops to 11ft with cross-off wind, still strong.

Thursday July 16th and Friday July 17th still have 6–8ft swell, but winds hit 22–28 mph from the SSW, making a mess. Poor riding.

Saturday July 18th offers a small 4ft SE swell, with a 12 mph offshore—clean but weak, energy around 500. Just okay.

Sunday July 19th is a real treat: 4–5ft SE swell with a long 12-second period, and the wind goes glassy at 3 mph from the northwest. Wave energy is 677, and it’s described as glassy. The point will give you smooth, clean lines. Not big, but for a fun, easy session, this is the one.

For the experienced crew, Wednesday July 15th is the call—big, clean, powerful. For the rest of us, Sunday July 19th is a glassy gem.

Rusty.

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