Pelican Watch Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’ve gotta be straight with you – this 16-day stretch for Pelican Watch is a real mixed bag, and the first week is a tough slog. We’ve got a long dry spell of tiny, messy waves before things finally wake up, and the real gem is tucked away in the second week. Let’s break it down.

The opening days are a write-off. From Wednesday the 29th of July right through to the end of the first week, we’re looking at hardly any swell worth paddling for. The water’s sitting at a warm 83°, which is about average for this time of year, but that’s little comfort when the waves are mostly below 3 ft, with short, weak periods around 5-7 seconds and combined energy values barely scraping into the double digits (48-64). Winds are a mix of cross-on and onshore, keeping things choppy and messy. There’s a glimmer of hope on Monday the 3rd of August when the swell jumps to 5 ft and the energy hits 204-235, but it’s still a bit of a gamble with dodgy tide conditions and stormy winds. Honestly, not worth the drive.

Then we hit a proper lull. Tuesday the 4th through Friday the 7th of August is a dead zone – tiny waist-high slop, glassy at times but with hardly any push. The combined energy drops to as low as 20-58, and the swell is barely 2 ft. It’s the kind of flat spell that’ll have you checking the forecast more than your board.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The standout is Saturday the 8th of August. That morning, the stars align. We’ve got a solid 5 ft swell from the SE, with a long, juicy 12-second period – that’s proper groundswell energy. The combined energy is a meaty 526, which is strong, and the wind is a clean offshore from the W, making for a glassy face. This is the pick of the window. The break is a fairly consistent beginner spot, but with that long-period swell, it’ll be peeling nicely, though it might be a bit too straight for the beach break; the point will hold it better. Crowds are possible here, so get in early. The afternoon stays rideable at 5 ft with even more energy (700), but the wind swings cross-off, so it’s a little less clean.

Sunday the 9th of August keeps the run going with 4 ft from the ESE, still a solid 11-second period, and light cross-off winds. Energy is still high at 387. Good, clean waves, but it’s not quite the peak of Saturday morning. Monday the 10th of August sees the swell drop to 3 ft, but the period hangs at 11 seconds, and the morning has light cross-off winds. Energy is 253 – still moderate. After that, the second week fades out with smaller, weaker swells and more questionable winds, but honestly, Saturday morning the 8th is the one to circle on your calendar.

So, if you’re keen, lock in that Saturday 8th of August for the best chance at a proper session. The rest of the run is a wait-and-hope game.

Rusty.

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