Off The Wall Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for the North Shore, specifically at Off The Wall.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start to the outlook, but don’t let that fool you. The first few days, from Friday the 3rd through Sunday the 5th, are pretty much a write-off. The swell is small and mixed with bad wind, so honestly, it’s not worth paddling out unless you’re desperate for a paddle. But hold onto your board, because things are about to flip.

Monday the 6th is where the magic starts. Early morning you’re looking at a clean 7ft swell from the WSW, and the wind goes glassy. That’s your first real chance of the period. The water is running a touch cold at 56°, which is a solid 4° cooler than usual for this time of year, so you’ll want a decent suit. The swell energy is moderate to strong (1672), and it stays good through the afternoon with a clean 7ft and offshore flow. This is a solid, clean window for experienced surfers.

Tuesday the 7th keeps that run going. Another glassy morning with 6ft from the SW, and the afternoon bumps up to 7ft with clean conditions. The energy is still strong (1247 to 1347). This is the kind of consistency you dream of.

Now, Wednesday the 8th is where it gets serious. The morning serves up a 10ft SW groundswell (period 13 seconds) and a moderate offshore wind. That’s a big, clean day. The energy is pumping (2824). This is expert territory, no question. The afternoon drops a touch to 8ft but holds clean.

Thursday the 9th is another standout. Gentle offshore wind all day, 7ft of SW swell, and by the afternoon it goes a bit longer-period (15 seconds) and sneaks a little more south. The energy is massive (2558). This is top-tier Off The Wall.

Friday the 10th is still good. Clean 7ft to 7ft, light winds, and solid energy (over 1600). Good surf, but the real highlights are the two days prior.

We hit a bit of a lull on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th. The swell drops and the wind turns onshore or weak. Still a bit of clean swell on Sunday morning if you’re keen, but it’s a step down.

Monday the 13th is small and clean, with 3ft to 4ft waves and glassy conditions. Fun for a small board, but nothing to write home about.

Then we get a bit messy again on Tuesday the 14th. Rain and cross-shore wind with 4ft to 5ft of mixed-up swell. Not the one.

But hold on, because Wednesday the 15th is a monster. We’re talking 13ft of WSW swell both morning and afternoon. The energy is off the charts (3759 and 4865). The wind is cross-offshore, so it’s clean, but at that size, this is for experts only. You want to be very confident before paddling out there.

Thursday the 16th keeps the big stuff coming. Glassy in the morning with 12ft from the SW, and then the afternoon brings 13ft with light cross-offshore wind and an extraordinary energy reading of 5002. This is, without doubt, the standout of the outlook. If you’re an expert, this is your day.

Friday the 17th is almost as good. 12ft in the morning with offshore wind, and the afternoon pumps out another 12ft with clean conditions and energy hitting 5719. Unreal.

Saturday the 18th sees the swell start to back off a little, with 8ft from the south and onshore wind. Still a big day, but the quality drops off.

So, to sum it up: the best of the best is Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th. Those are the days to circle on your calendar. The water is colder than normal for July, so don’t get caught out without a hood. Off The Wall is a reef break, and with these long-period SW swells, it’ll be holding that famous shape. Expect a crowd, because it’s sometimes busy here, and when it’s this good, it’ll be a zoo. But for the right surfer, it’s heaven.

Rusty.

Read more