Manly Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. Alright mate, let’s talk Manly. We’ve got a real mixed bag here over the next couple of weeks, but let’s not beat around the bush—there’s nothing screaming “epic” at you. The water temp is sitting at 63°F, which is pretty average for this time of year, no surprises there.

Right off the bat, Saturday the 22nd is a write-off for surfing. The swell is tiny at 1ft from the NE with a short 6-second period and weak energy (17), plus the winds are cross-off but the conditions are just poor. You’re better off having a sleep-in.

Sunday the 23rd morning is our first real peek at something half-decent. The swell bumps up to 4ft from the south with a 9-second period and moderate energy (338). Best part? Glassy conditions with a NW breeze at 3 mph. That’s a rare treat for Manly—clean, smooth waves. The break is a point, so it handles the south swell okay, but it’s a sheltered setup and the optimum swell is from the SE. Still, for a beginner-friendly wave, this is the standout of the whole outlook. Monday the 24th has a bit of energy (229) with a 3ft south swell, but the cross-on wind spoils it—nasty ripples on the surface.

Tuesday the 25th gets ugly: light cross-on wind and a weak, short-period swell from the NE. Not worth paddling out. Wednesday the 26th has some 4ft swell but 19 mph south winds on the afternoon make it more of a windsurfing day.

Now, Thursday the 27th morning is the next highlight. We get a solid 5ft south swell with a 7-second period and strong energy (427), and the wind is offshore from the SSW at 12 mph. That’s clean and punchy. The break is a point, so the shorter period isn’t ideal—it can get a bit peaky—but with offshore wind, the shape should be fun. Crowds are often here, so expect company. This is your best bet for the first week.

After that, it’s a frustrating run. Friday 28th to Sunday 30th offers some surfable but ordinary conditions—waist-high leftovers with light winds, but nothing gets above a 3ft. The energy drops to around 100-330 through this stretch. Monday the 31st has a 2ft south swell at a super long 16 seconds, but it’s onshore wind and the energy (359) doesn’t save it.

Into the second week: Tuesday 1st September morning has a 2ft south swell with offshore wind, but it’s weak (131). Wednesday 2nd morning is tiny and glassy—1ft from the ENE with 10-second period, glassy calm—but energy is just 100. Long-period groundswell at a point break can be tricky if it’s too straight, but there’s almost no wave here. Thursday 3rd has a big bump in energy (429) from a 3ft south swell with a long 12-second period, but the wind is cross-shore and messy. Friday 4th morning has a 3ft south swell with moderate energy (282) and clean cross-off wind, but it’s only ordinary.

The last few days, Saturday 5th through Sunday 6th September, are poor—tiny swell and strong winds make it a non-starter.

So here’s the truth: the only standout is Sunday 23rd August morning for the glassy, clean conditions on a 4ft south swell. After that, Thursday 27th August morning is the other call with a 5ft south swell and offshore wind. Both are at Manly. It’s a lean run for decent surf, so don’t get your hopes up for anything pumping.

Stay frothy,
Rusty

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