Monwabisi Strand Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let's have a look what's on offer at Monwabisi Strand. This spot's a sandbar set-up, and over the next couple of weeks, we're seeing a real mixed bag. The water temp is hanging around about average for this time of year, so no surprises there. The swell energy is moderate, with that first session on Sunday the 16th clocking in at 433 – not huge, but there's some life.

We kick off on Sunday morning, August 16th. The swell is 3.3ft out of the SW with a long 15-second period, which is that nice groundswell energy. That long period will keep the sets a bit more spaced out, but the wind is a cross-off from the NNW at 19 mph, which will keep it clean. The combined energy is 433 – it's weak, but it's a start. The surf looks clean for a beginner session. As the afternoon rolls in, the swell bumps up to 4.3ft from the WSW, still that long 15-second period, and the energy jumps to 762. Winds ease to 9 mph. It’s a decent Sunday for the learners.

Monday the 17th holds on with a 4.6ft SW swell and 13-second period. Morning winds are cross-off again, so it stays clean, but the tide might make it a bit tricky. The energy is 642. Afternoon sees a little drop in size with 4.3ft but the wind swings cross-shore, putting a few ripples on the face. It's still ridable for a beginner, but not as perfect as Sunday.

Then we hit a bit of a flat spot. Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th are write-offs. The wind goes onshore and the waves get choppy and ugly. Even though the swell is 4.9ft to 5.6ft, the wind just destroys it. The energy is moderate – 666 and 661 – but the quality is garbage. Best to leave the board in the car.

Thursday the 20th is still messy in the morning with a 5.9ft cross-on wind swell, but the energy is building. The afternoon sees the swell hit 6.6ft, making it a bit too big and unruly for beginners, and it's still choppy. Not a good option.

Now, here's the first standout. Friday morning, August 21st. The swell drops back to 5.2ft from the SSW with a 12-second period, but the wind is dead flat – glassy as anything. The energy is 669. That is your window for a clean, fun session. A classic glass-off in winter. The afternoon swings onshore and turns cruddy, so get out early.

The weekend of the 22nd and 23rd is average. The swell hangs around 4.3ft to 5.2ft, but the winds are mostly cross or light cross-on, which leaves the surf a bit bumpy. The energy is 609 and 869 – moderate, but the conditions are just okay.

Monday the 24th starts to build energy significantly, hitting 2085 early with a 6.2ft SSW swell. That's a solid mid-range size, but the wind is cross-on and the period is a long 15-seconds, which will stand the waves up. It's a little too much for beginners, and the cross-on wind keeps it from being perfect.

Tuesday the 25th is our second standout. Tuesday morning brings another glass-off, with the wind dropping to 0 mph. Swell is a manageable 4.6ft from the SSW with a 13-second period. The energy is 796. This is going to be clean, shapely, and just a joy for any level of surfer that can handle that size. The afternoon gets a bit of a cross-on breeze, but the morning is pure gold.

The end of the month is building toward some bigger stuff. Wednesday the 26th sees a 5.6ft SSW swell with a very long 17-second period and energy at 1531. The wind is a stiff cross-off, which would normally be great, but that long period is better suited to a point or reef than a sandbar like this. It'll be powerful but a bit fat.

Thursday the 27th drops right off into a weak, onshore mess, so avoid it.

Friday the 28th pushes a serious 7.5ft SW swell with a 15-second period, energy hitting 2407. That is strong. But it’s cross-on and breezy, making it choppy and only for experienced surfers. It's big, messy power.

Saturday the 29th sees the swell drop back to 5.9ft, and the afternoon turns glassy again with the wind going calm. The energy is 969. That evening surf will be worth staying in the water for – clean, smooth lines.

The final part of the month, Sunday the 30th and Monday the 31st, look okay. Swells around 3.6ft to 7.9ft, with clean cross-off winds. The Monday morning pushes 7.9ft at 14 seconds, which is getting into big wave territory for

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