Pitstops Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here again, looking over the surf outlook for our stretch. It’s a mixed bag, plain and simple. We start with some decent size, but there’s a long flat patch in the middle that will test your patience, and then things look to turn back on at the tail end.

We kick off on Tuesday the 11th with a solid swell at Pitstops. We’re looking at 7.5ft from the south with a long 18-second period – that’s real groundswell. The energy is strong at 3885, and with a cross-off breeze at 20 km/h, it’s clean, but the tide is going to be a factor. It’s on the bigger side, so leave the foamies at home.

Wednesday the 12th drops to around 5.9ft, still south with a 16-second period. The energy is still solid at 1604, and the wind drops to 15 km/h. The tide is still fiddly, but it’s a more manageable size.

Thursday the 13th morning is when it starts to feel better. 4.9ft of south swell with a 12-second period, and the call is for “very good surf conditions”. The wind is a gentle cross-off, and it’s clean and punchy. The energy is moderate at 1332, but it’s a fun size.

Friday the 14th morning is the first real standout. Swell is 5.2ft from the south with 16 seconds, and the energy jumps to 2039. With a light 10 km/h cross-off breeze and a risk of storms, the conditions are rated excellent for experienced surfers. This is when the reef will be firing. It’s got power, it’s got shape, and if you’re confident, it’s your day.

Saturday the 15th keeps it good. Swell is 4.9ft, but the wind goes almost calm – 5 km/h from the southeast, making the surface glassy. The conditions are again excellent. It’s a touch smaller, but for the average surfer, this might be the most fun you’ll have all week. Energy is moderate at 1419, but it’s clean.

Sunday the 16th morning is the true gem. Swell is 4.6ft from the south with a 15-second period, and the wind is dead – 5 km/h from the ENE, with a glassy surface. This is perfection. The energy has dropped to 1107, so it’s not a heavy day, but the waves will be pristine, hollow, and smooth. This is the one to circle on the calendar.

Then comes the drought. Monday the 17th drops to a measly 2.9ft. There’s nothing on it. The energy is down to 424 – weak. And it stays poor for the better part of a week. From the 17th right through to the 23rd, you’re looking at marginal surf at best. The swell tries to bump up on Tuesday the 18th, hitting 5.2ft from the SSW with a 19-second period in the afternoon and energy up to 3058, but the tide and consistency are just off. It’s frustrating, because there’s some grunt in the water, but it’s just not breaking right.

The wind is a steady cross-off from the SSE and SE at 15-20 km/h, but the swell is confused, coming from the SSW and S, and the sets are few and far between. You’ll spend more time floating than riding. There’s a small glimmer on Friday the 21st morning – 6.5ft from the south at 17 seconds, with energy up to 2280 and an excellent rating – but the afternoon turns cross-shore and messy. Honestly, it’s not worth the effort unless you’re desperate.

The pattern finally shifts on Monday the 24th. The afternoon shows 4.6ft from the south with a call for “very good surf conditions”. Light winds at 10 km/h, and the energy is a modest 1032, but it’s clean and the tide is looking better.

Tuesday the 25th and Wednesday the 26th continue the improvement. Tuesday morning brings 4.3ft from the south with a light breeze and another “very good” call. Wednesday morning is slightly bigger at 4.3ft from the SSW, with a 17-second period and moderate energy at 1088. These days look like a return to decent, rideable surf after the lull

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