Mckenzies Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for McKenzies Beach.

Right off the bat, it’s a tough stretch. McKenzies is a very consistent point break, exposed to the swell and best when it’s coming from the SE, but for the next week or so, the swell is tiny, weak, and coming from the wrong direction. The water temperature is 63°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so that’s a bit of comfort, but the surf isn’t giving us much to work with.

We’ve got a long gap here, with nothing worth paddling out for from Wednesday the 19th of August through until Sunday the 24th of August. Most days show poor surf conditions or very ordinary waves, with wind messing things up and swell heights barely breaking 3 ft. The combined energy is weak, well under 100, so it’s flat, weak, and not worth the hassle.

Things start to shift a little on Tuesday morning, the 25th of August. The wind turns light offshore from the W, and we see a jump in swell height to 5 ft from the NE, with the combined energy hitting 208 (moderate). It’s not a standout, but it’s the first glimpse of something rideable. The water will be clean, and for an intermediate surfer, it’s a go.

The real standout, the one to circle on the calendar, is Monday morning, the 31st of August. But I have to be straight with you – this one is for experts only. The swell pumps to 16 ft from the S with a very long period of 13 seconds. That’s serious energy – the combined energy is a massive 13334, which is strong to very strong. This is a groundswell, and at a point break like McKenzies, that’s going to produce powerful, well-shaped sets. The wind is a moderate cross-shore, but it’s manageable for experienced surfers. The word is the swell is predicted to be too big for this break, meaning only the brave should even think about it.

Following that, Tuesday the 1st of September morning is another highlight, also for experienced crew. You’ve got 10 ft from the SSE with a 12-second period, glassy conditions, and the combined energy is 2536. The report calls it excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers. The wind is dead calm, so the surface will be like glass. This is the pick of the bunch.

Later in the window, Thursday morning the 3rd of September offers a drop in size to 6 ft from the SE, with a light offshore and a clean surface. The combined energy is 701 (moderate), and it’s rated as very good surf conditions. This is more accessible for intermediate surfers, and with the swell direction finally matching the optimum SE, the point should be working nicely. Crowds are often a thing here, so expect company.

So, to wrap it up: a long, flat start, then a few fun days late August for intermediates, but the fireworks come in early September with two serious, expert-only days. Don’t sleep on Thursday the 3rd, though – that one’s a gem for the rest of us.

Rusty.

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