Off The Wall Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s chew on what’s cooking at Off The Wall.

The next few days are a bit of a mixed bag, but the real story is the second week. There’s a solid run of swell coming, but you’ll have to be patient and pick your windows because the wind is going to be a factor at times.

Starting off this Friday, the 7th of August, there’s some swell in the water at 12ft from the SW, but it’s a bit messy with a cross breeze and the water is sitting at a chilly 56°, which is a whopping 4° colder than usual for this time of year – that’s very unusual, so you’ll want a thick wetsuit. The combined energy is pumping at 4749 (moderate to strong), but the conditions are marginal, so it’s not a standout.

Saturday the 8th improves a little. The morning is still a bit cross-on, but the afternoon is where it’s at. We’re looking at clean 12ft swell from the SW with a 14-second period, light cross-off winds, and the wave energy is huge at 5278 (strong). This is a solid session for experienced surfers.

Sunday the 9th is a write-off. The wind is howling out of the SSE at 35 km/h, making a mess of things even though the swell is still there. Leave it.

Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th see the swell drop a bit but the wind cleans right up. Monday morning has fresh offshore winds with 6ft from the SW, and Tuesday morning is looking clean with a light breeze and 7ft from the S. Good, solid, everyday waves for the experienced crew.

The standout window starts on Wednesday the 12th of August. We’ve got a very long period groundswell rolling in from the SW at 18 seconds, with 6ft of swell. The wind is light and clean. This is where the reef at Off The Wall really comes alive. The long period means the waves will have heaps of energy and shape, though the sets will be a bit more spread out. This is the best call of the first week.

The 13th and 14th keep the fun going with clean conditions and SW to WSW swell, but the real beast is building for the following week.

Now, looking ahead to the end of the second week, we’ve got a proper big swell event. On Friday the 21st of August, we see a 16ft swell from the W, and the energy is massive at 5476. But it’s Saturday the 22nd that is the absolute standout of the entire forecast. We’re looking at 20ft swell from the WSW, with a moderate offshore wind out of the SE. The combined energy is a staggering 12632 (very strong). This is an expert-only day. At over 8ft, this is strictly for the big-wave crew. The surf will be absolutely pumping, and the offshore wind will keep it glassy. This is the one to circle on your calendar, but remember, it’s a long way out so treat it as promising but not locked in.

For the rest of the time, the wind is generally light, but there are a few days like the 18th and 19th where onshore winds and strong breezes will ruin the quality. The swell direction stays mostly in the SW to WSW window, which is what this reef likes to see.

Overall, the best bet is that Wednesday the 12th for the long period groundswell and then that massive Saturday the 22nd for the big swell hunters. Crowds are possible at Off The Wall, so be ready for company on the best days.

Rusty.

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