New Brighton Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. The next sixteen days are a mixed bag for New Brighton Beach. We’ve got a proper flat spell to start, with almost nothing worth paddling out for until we get into the second week, but there is some promise late in the forecast if you’re patient.

Right now, the water temperature is sittin' around 50°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Kicking off Thursday 20 August through to the end of the month, it’s grim. Swell is tiny – mostly under 1 ft – and the energy is weak (combined energy values barely reach 61, and most days are well under 50). The wind’s a mess, too, with onshores and cross-shore breezes keeping things choppy or blown out. You might see glassy conditions early Thursday morning (20 August) with 1 ft from the ESE at 9 seconds, but the wave comment flatly calls it poor surf. Honestly, there’s a solid eleven-day stretch here where the only consistent thing is the lack of quality. For a spot that’s already inconsistent, this blank run is pretty normal for the area.

Listen, if you’re a kiter, the afternoon of Saturday 22 August might get your attention – 3 ft from the N, 4-second period, and a fresh cross-offshore breeze at 35 km/h. But for a paddle surfer, that’s a no-go. The whole beach setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing during that stretch.

Finally, we start to see a pulse of proper energy arrive on Monday 31 August. The morning offers 2 ft from the SSE at 16 seconds, with clean offshore wind from the WSW at 10 km/h. Combined energy jumps to 162 (moderate), and it’s surfable. That long 16-second period means better shaped waves and longer lulls, but at a beach break like New Brighton, that long period can make the waves break a bit too straight. Still, it’s the best we’ve seen in a fortnight.

Wednesday 2 September morning is the standout. The swell holds at 3 ft from the SE with a 13-second period, combined energy at a solid 295 (moderate), and the wind is offshore from the W at 10 km/h. The wave comment says “expect good surf conditions.” This is the one to circle. For a beginner-friendly spot that’s inconsistent, this is a real treat – clean lines, some push, and not too much size. Crowds are possible here from time to time, so getting out early will help.

Thursday 3 September morning is also worth a look: 3 ft from the SE, 14-second period, combined energy at 346 (moderate), with glassy conditions and a light cross-offshore breeze. Very similar to Wednesday, just a touch longer period. Another good session if you missed the day before.

After that, the swell drops off into the first week of September with energy fading back below 150 and onshore winds creeping in again. Not much to get excited about.

Best on offer: Wednesday 2 September morning at New Brighton Beach. Clean, offshore, moderate energy, and a proper long-period groundswell from the SE. If you’re keen, earlier in the week has that 31 August morning as a backup.

Rusty.

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