National Park Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab your board. Let’s talk about National Park.

We’ve got a solid pulse of swell coming through, but it’s a classic case of too much of a good thing at the start. The energy is right up there, with a combined swell energy reading of 1624, which is proper strong. The water temp is sitting at 21°, which is pretty much average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first few days are a bit of a write-off for a paddle. On Saturday the 18th, we’re looking at 10ft of SE swell with a 10-second period, which is a lot of water moving. The wind is a cross-off from the south, but that swell is just too big for this point break. It’s the same story on Sunday the 19th – the swell jumps to 13ft, and with strong cross-off winds, it’s just a washing machine. If you’re a kite surfer, this might be your window, but for a paddle surfer, it’s a no-go.

Monday the 20th holds some promise, but it’s still a big 12ft from the ESE. The wind goes offshore, which is a massive positive for the surface, but the swell is so solid it’s going to be a battle to get out. The combined energy is still over 2000, so it’s a heavy paddle. This is strictly for the experienced crew.

Now, Tuesday the 21st is the standout. The swell drops to a more manageable 8ft in the morning, dropping to 8ft in the afternoon, still from the ESE with a 10-second period. The wind is offshore from the SE, and the combined energy is down to 1129 – still strong, but not insane. The waves are going to be clean and powerful. This is the best quality on offer, but at 8ft, it’s still an expert-only zone. The afternoon is a bit smaller at 8ft, and that’s where you want to be.

Wednesday the 22nd is a good day for the intermediate crowd. The swell drops to 6ft with a 9-second period, and the wind is light and favorable. The energy is down to 468, so it’s a lot more user-friendly. The afternoon is even better at 5ft, with glassy conditions and a light offshore breeze. This is a solid day.

Thursday the 23rd is flat and small. The swell is down to 4ft with a short 8-second period, and the energy is only 194. It’s surfable, but it’s ordinary. The wind goes glassy in the morning, which is nice, but there’s just not enough wave.

Then we get another pulse. Friday the 24th throws a 10ft SE swell back at us, and with a short 8-second period, it’s going to be a messy, choppy mess. The wind is offshore, but the swell is too big and the period is too short. Saturday the 25th is more manageable at 7ft, but the period is a short 7 seconds, so it won’t have much shape.

From Sunday the 26th onward, the swell drops off significantly. We’re looking at 5ft and smaller with a short period, and the energy is low. The wind is okay, but the waves are just average. There’s a long gap of poor to ordinary surf from the 26th right through to the end of the month.

Looking into the first week of August, there’s a glimmer. On Friday the 31st of July, we see a tiny 2ft swell, but the period jumps to 13 seconds, which is a very long groundswell. The energy is only 200, so it’s weak, but that long period will give it some life. The wind is offshore, so it’s clean. The best of that mini-run is Saturday the 1st of August, with a 3ft, 12-second period swell and light winds. It’s a small wave, but with that long period, it’ll be lined up and clean. It’s a promising but a long way out, so keep an eye on it.

So, to sum it up: Tuesday the 21st is your best bet. Get out there for the afternoon session if you’re experienced. Wednesday the 22nd is the day for the rest of us. The rest of the period is a mix of too big, too small, or just average. The long-range stuff on the 1st of August is worth watching, but it’s a long way off.

Rusty.

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