Manly Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s have a look at what’s on the table for the next couple of weeks here at Manly. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but there are a couple of windows worth getting excited about.

We’re starting off this Thursday morning, 27 August, with some lumpy, cross-off southerly wind, and a 7 ft southerly swell. The energy’s moderate at 778, but with a 9-second period, conditions are a bit jumbled and the tide isn’t playing along. The water’s sitting at 64°, right around normal for this time of year. Thursday afternoon cleans up a touch with lighter cross-shore breeze, but the swell drops to 6 ft and it’s still not the best. Skip it.

Friday morning, 28 August, is where things start to look promising. We’ve got a 6 ft SSE swell, 11-second period, light WSW cross-off winds, and clean conditions. The energy is still moderate at 727, but the combination of clean lines and a decent swell direction makes for a solid session. Manly is a point break, so that longer period groundswell will wrap in nicely, and the offshore wind’s a big tick. This is the standout of the week. Friday afternoon goes a bit onshore with a stronger SSE breeze, so stick to the morning.

Saturday morning, 29 August, is another good one. Swell drops to 4 ft SSE, but with 10 seconds of period, offshore SW wind, and clean conditions. It’s not huge, but it’ll be fun and tidy. Saturday afternoon the wind swings cross-shore, and the waves get smaller.

Sunday, 30 August, the swell fades to 3 ft, and while the morning has light offshore wind, the energy is weak at 279. It’s surfable but ordinary. From Monday, 31 August, through to Saturday, 5 September, we hit a big dry patch. Waves drop below 3 ft, winds are messy or onshore, and the energy’s mostly in the double digits. There’s a long period 16-second pulse on Monday, but it’s only 2 ft and the wind is onshore – not worth paddling out for. The whole week is a washout.

Then, on Monday morning, 7 September, we get a spike: a 6 ft southerly swell, 10-second period, clean cross-off WNW wind, and energy of 777 – moderate to strong. It’s a bit of a jump, and the wave comment says it’s marginal with questionable tide, but if you time it right, there could be some punchy waves. It’s the best of the second week, but keep in mind it’s a week out, so it’s promising, not locked in. After that, the swell fades fast, and from Tuesday, 8 September, onward it’s mostly tiny waves and strong winds, with only a few ordinary, small windows.

If you’re picking the best, Friday morning 28 August is the clear winner. Clean, solid chest-to-head-high waves, good wind, and a decent swell direction for the point. Saturday morning 29 August is a close second for a smaller, fun session. Look out for Monday 7 September as a longer-range possibility, but don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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