Manly Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s cooking for Manly over the next couple of weeks in feet and Fahrenheit.

First up, the water temp is sitting at about 64°F, which is right on average for this time of year – no surprises there.

The pattern starts slow. Thursday the 23rd sees a small 3ft easterly-northeasterly swell pushing in, with a clean 25 km/h southwesterly offshore. The energy's weak (111) but it's rideable for a beginner. It’s something to wet the line on, but nothing to get excited about.

Friday the 24th morning is where it gets interesting. We've got a solid 7ft southerly swell that's packing some proper punch – combined energy of 1395. With a 15 km/h west-southwesterly offshore and clear skies, the conditions are set to be very good. This is the standout session of the first week. The 10-second period means long, clean lines off the point. If you're an intermediate or above, this Friday morning is your window. Crowds are often here at Manly, so get in early.

Saturday the 25th morning drops a bit to 6ft southerly swell with a cross-offshore 15 km/h westerly, and it’s clean. Energy’s still decent at 697. Sunday morning the 26th is similar – 6ft southerly, 20 km/h west-southwesterly cross-offshore. Both are rideable but nothing special.

From Monday the 27th through to Wednesday the 29th, the swell fades badly. We’re looking at 3ft down to 2ft with very low energy (88-126). The wind stays clean for parts of it, but there’s just not enough push. These are poor to ordinary days, best spent on the beach.

Then Thursday the 30th morning brings a pulse. A 3ft southerly swell with a 12-second period and clean 15 km/h south-southeasterly cross-offshore. Energy climbs to 483. It’s a good pick for a sneaky session. Friday the 31st morning is similar with 4ft and light southwesterly offshore – clean, but ordinary in size.

Now, for the second week – here’s the real talk. Saturday the 1st of August afternoon sees a jump to 8ft southerly, but it’s short-period (8 seconds) and messy. Not the one.

Sunday the 2nd of August morning is the absolute standout of the whole outlook. We’re talking a serious 12ft southerly groundswell, 10-second period, with a 20 km/h southwesterly offshore. Combined energy is a massive 3816 – that’s strong wave energy. This is excellent surf, but only for experienced surfers. It’s too big for beginners. Expect long lines down the point, but be warned – that much energy on a point break can get powerful. You’ll want your confidence up. Crowds will be full, so plan accordingly.

Sunday afternoon gets mucky – that 45 km/h southwesterly wind turns it into a washing machine. Don’t bother.

Monday the 3rd and Tuesday the 4th stay big, with 10ft to 13ft southerly swells, but the wind is cross-shore and choppy. Energy is still huge (up to 4168), but the quality is poor. This window is more for the tow crew or the kites, not paddle surfing.

Wednesday the 5th is similar – 12ft but onshore and choppy.

Then Thursday the 6th of August morning – this is the other standout. A 13ft southeasterly swell with a 13-second period and glassy conditions. That’s right – glassy. Combined energy hits 5599, which is very strong wave energy. This is for expert surfers only. The long period will make the sets powerful and the gaps between them long. It’ll be a challenge to get out, but if you’re skilled, the rewards will be massive. Again, expect crowds.

Friday the 7th morning holds 12ft from the east-southeast, 13-second period, with a light 5 km/h westerly cross-offshore – clean. Energy is still huge at 3501. Another expert-only session.

So, to sum it up: Friday 24th July morning is your best bet for a classic, manageable good day, and Sunday 2nd August morning and Thursday 6th August morning are the big, heavy standouts for the experienced crew.

Stay safe out there.

- Rusty

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