Manly Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let's have a look at what's on the table for the Manly stretch over the next couple of weeks.

First off, the water temp is sitting at about 64°, which is pretty much dead average for this time of year, so don't expect any surprises when you hop in.

Right now, we've got a bit of a flat spell to kick things off. There's some swell showing on Monday, but it's pretty junky – a solid 10ft from the SSE with a short period and a stiff cross-off breeze. That's a messy, blown-out situation that's really only for the die-hards, and even then, it looks more like a kite session than a clean paddle. So, we wait.

Things start to look up on Tuesday the 7th. The morning session is where it's at: still a meaty 10ft from the SSE, but the wind swings offshore from the SSW, cleaning it right up. The wave energy is proper strong (2477), and while it's a bit on the bigger side for beginners, more experienced surfers will find some powerful, workable lines. By the afternoon, it's picking up a touch more size and period, but the wind gets a bit cross-off and stronger, so the morning window is the clear winner here.

Wednesday the 8th dips down a notch. The swell drops to 8ft, and the wind stays cross-off, so it's not a total loss, but the energy is fading (1818). Thursday and Friday (9th and 10th) are more of the same – dropping swell in the 7ft to 6ft range, but at least you get some clean conditions with light offshore or light cross-off breezes. These are your best "filler" days – not epic, but you'll get a wave.

Then we hit a big lull. From Saturday the 11th right through to Monday the 14th, it goes flat and weak. Tiny waves, bad wind directions, and real low energy – the best thing you can do is find something else to do.

Now, here's the standout that has my attention: Friday the 17th. That morning is a monster. We're talking a 16ft groundswell from the south, with a 13-second period, and the combined energy is off the charts at 15243. The wind is a moderate cross-off from the SSE. This is big, powerful water. At over 8ft, this is strictly for experts only – and even then, you’ve got to have your wits about you. That long period swell will be breaking big and clean, but it'll be critical, so pick your spot carefully. The afternoon drops back to 12ft, still solid, but the morning is the real deal.

After that, Saturday the 18th is a nice comedown. You get 7ft from the SSE, but with glassy conditions – that's absolute perfection. The wind is dead calm from the west early on. This is a day for everyone who missed the big Friday session. It's clean, user-friendly, and just a joy.

Beyond that, it all fades out again. The last week of the forecast is mostly small and wind-affected, with that one interesting spike on the 21st (4ft from the S with a 7-second period and 501 energy) but nothing that will get you out of bed early. The long-range Friday the 17th is the one to circle on your calendar – big, powerful, and promising, but you know how these long-range calls go. Keep an eye on it.

Stay salty.
- Rusty

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