Marengo Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, this is Rusty, and I’ve been looking hard at Marengo’s charts. There’s a slow start, but the second half of the 16-day window has some real heavy hitters.

Right now, Tuesday afternoon, we’ve got a weak 3ft SW swell running, but the wind is a messy cross-on from the NE at 12 mph, so it’s choppy and not worth the paddle. The combined energy is only 530 (weak). Wednesday is even smaller with rain showers and onshore winds – stay home.

The first real window opens Thursday morning (20 August). It’s only 2ft from the SW, but the wind goes cross-offshore from the NW at 9 mph, and the surf is clean. The period is a long 17 seconds, so it’s a groundswell that’ll wrap into the reef and point nicely. Combined energy is 277 (weak), but for a beginner spot, it’s a fun little session. Crowds are only *sometimes* an issue, so you might have it to yourself. Water temp is 57°, which is about average for the time of year (anomaly 1°).

Now, Friday (21 August) is where it gets real. The morning jumps to 8ft from the WSW, with a 15-second period and cross-offshore wind from the WNW at 12 mph. The combined energy rockets to 3779 (strong). By Friday afternoon, the wind goes full offshore from the same direction, and the swell holds at 8ft – that’s excellent for experienced surfers. This is the standout of the first week. The swell direction (WSW) is a good match for Marengo’s optimal SSW, so it’ll line up nicely on the point.

Saturday (22 August) keeps the goods rolling: 7ft to 7ft SW swell, offshore winds from the W at 12-16 mph, and combined energy in the 1800s (moderate). Clean, punchy, and powerful. Sunday (23 August) drops a little to 6ft but still with offshore winds on the afternoon, so it’s another solid day.

There’s a lull on Monday and Tuesday (24-25 August), with smaller 4ft swell and cross-shore winds, but then Tuesday afternoon (25 August) throws a sneaky 8ft WSW swell with a 12-second period and light cross-offshore wind. Combined energy is 2415 (strong) – that’s a good session for the crew who can read the sets.

Then a mini-gap: Wednesday (26 August) is small and choppy, but Thursday (27 August) morning offers 4ft with offshore wind, so it’s clean if you’re keen.

The big one is Friday 28 August. Morning sees a massive 12ft SW swell with a 16-second period, combined energy of 8211 (very strong). Wind is cross-offshore from the SSW at 12 mph, so it’s clean. That’s a serious groundswell, and it’s only for experts – over 8ft, this is big, powerful, and will be churning on the reef. Saturday (29 August) is even bigger in the morning at 13ft, but the wind swings cross-on from the SE, so it’s less clean. Still, the energy is 7528 – that’s a lot of water moving. These late August days are the standout of the whole outlook, but only if you’ve got the skills.

By Sunday 30 August, it drops to 8ft, and Monday 31 August offers a surprise: glassy conditions with a 4ft to 4ft SW swell and a very long 18-second period. Combined energy is around 1100-1300 (moderate). That’s a beautiful, clean morning for a longboard or a fish, with those long-period lines wrapping around the point.

Into early September, Tuesday (1 September) is a bit messy, but Wednesday morning (2 September) is glassy again with 4ft and a 14-second period – clean, small, and fun.

Overall, the best on offer is Friday 21 August and the big Friday 28 August. The first one is cleaner and more manageable for strong intermediates, the second is a pure expert-playground. Don’t miss the glassy Monday 31 August either – that’s a gem.

Rusty.

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