Redhead Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve gotta be straight with you – this surf outlook for Redhead is a tough one. We’ve got a solid 16-day window ahead, but honestly, for the first week and a half, things are looking pretty grim for any kind of decent paddle. You’re gonna see a lot of days with tiny, weak waves and just ordinary conditions. The first proper bit of energy doesn’t show its face until late in the run, so let’s get into it.

From Friday the 21st of August right through to about Wednesday the 27th, it’s a flat spell. We’re talking little 0.7ft to 3ft swells – barely a bump – with combined swell energy levels sitting in the dregs, usually under 100 (like 27 to 80 points). The wind is mostly offshore or cross-off, which would be nice if there was anything to ride, but the waves just aren’t there. Saturday the 23rd morning has a moment of glassy conditions with a tiny 2ft SE swell, period a short 4 seconds, and energy a measly 32 – surfable if you’re a kid on a foamie, but not for anyone else.

We then hit a bit of a lull with no real improvement until late in the second week. The combined energy finally climbs above 100 on Saturday the 29th of August, with a 3ft swell from ENE and a period of 7 seconds, but the wind is howling from the south at 28 mph, making a cross-onshore mess. The energy jumps to 168 that morning and 189 by the afternoon, but it’s poor surf – sloppy, windy, and not worth paddling out. Sunday the 30th of August sees the swell build further to 7ft in the morning and 8ft in the afternoon, both from ENE with an 8-second period. The energy rockets up to 712 then 1369 – that’s a lot of water moving, but it’s still cross-onshore from the SE at 19 mph, creating lumpy, rough conditions. That size is only for experts, and with the wind, it’s more likely a kite surfer’s playground than a clean paddle.

The standout window – and I mean the only real chance for a surf – comes on the very last day of August, Monday the 31st. The morning session gives us glassy conditions, a 3ft swell from the east, period a bit better at 9 seconds, and combined energy of 165. That’s moderate energy, the wind is dead calm (Slight air), and the waves will be clean. It’s not huge, but for this area, it’s the best on offer. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing out of the ordinary. Redhead is a reef break here, fairly exposed to the NE optimum swell, so that east direction is a decent match. It’s also fairly consistent and a beginner-friendly spot, but crowds are possible on a clean day like that. After that, Tuesday the 1st of September and beyond drop back to 2ft to 3ft waves with cross-onshore wind and ordinary conditions again. The long-range days (around the 4th and 5th of September) show a hint of promise with 2ft swells and offshore winds, but the energy is low (under 100), so it’s a gamble. This is a frustrating outlook – no real juice for nearly two weeks, and when it comes, it’s either too windy or only a fleeting clean window. Don’t hold your breath, but keep an eye on the sky.

Rusty.

Read more