Norries Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is a tough one to swallow. For the next week or so, it’s looking pretty grim out there. The data is showing a long stretch of messy, wind-blown conditions with hardly any surf worth paddling out for. We’ve got a real gap from now until around the 21st of July where the recommendations are a flat zero—just a whole lot of wind and chop with no real quality on offer.

The only real light at the end of the tunnel is a promising window that opens up on Monday the 27th of July. That’s a full week and a half away, so keep your expectations in check, but it’s the standout of the entire 16-day outlook.

Let’s talk about Norries Head (point). It’s an inconsistent spot, and it rarely breaks, so when it does, you pay attention. The best bet is the morning of Monday the 27th. We’re looking at a clean 4ft swell from the east, with a very long period of 12 seconds. That’s proper groundswell energy, and the combined energy of all swells directed here is moderate (501). The wind is forecast to be glassy—zero wind. That’s a major positive; it’ll be as clean as it gets. Now, this spot is a point break, so that long-period swell will wrap in nicely and not just race down the beach. The water temperature is 69°, which is about average for the time of year, so no shock there. Crowds are often a problem here, so expect some company if it’s breaking.

The 28th of July morning is a secondary option, with a similar 4ft swell from the east, but the period jumps to a very long 13 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (734). Winds are light and cross-shore, so still surfable, but not as perfect as the Monday. That afternoon, the wind picks up onshore and ruins it.

Before that, from the 22nd to the 26th, we’re in “marginal” territory. Swell heights bounce around 5ft to 6ft, but the periods are decent, and the cross-onshore wind keeps things choppy and uninviting. The scores are low, and it’s just not worth the paddle.

For the first week, from the 13th to the 20th, it’s a complete write-off. Small, weak swell, and then a big pulse of 8ft to 12ft from the 17th to the 20th, but it’s all cross-on with strong winds. That’s big, ugly, and dangerous—definitely not for beginners, and even experts will be fighting a messy, lumpy ocean. Honestly, with that kind of wind and swell direction, it looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

So, to sum it up: the next week is a full blank. Don’t even bother. Keep your eye on Monday the 27th of July at Norries Head for that brief, glassy window. It’s a long way off, but it’s the only real chance of quality we’ve got.

Rusty.

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