Rock Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Look, I’ve gotta be straight with you – for the next week and a half, it’s pretty flat out at Rock Island. We’re looking at a long stretch of tiny, choppy waves that just aren’t worth paddling for. From Saturday the 25th of July right through to the morning of Monday the 3rd of August, we’ve got hardly any energy pushing in. The swell is tiny, mostly under 1ft, and when it’s not dead calm, the wind is junk – onshore or cross-onshore, messing up any chance of a clean wave. The combined energy sits in the low double digits (26 to 48), which is weak. It’s a frustrating run of poor surf, and honestly, you’re better off doing something else.

But hang in there, because the forecast starts to turn around in the second week. On Monday the 3rd of August, the morning sees a little life with a 2ft swell from the southeast, period up to 15 seconds, and a clean offshore wind from the northeast – that’s moderate energy (128) and the face looks clean. Still, it’s only just surfable.

The real standout comes on Tuesday the 4th of August. The afternoon session at Rock Island is the one to aim for. Swell builds to 2ft from the east-southeast, with a very long period of 16 seconds – that’s a proper groundswell. The combined energy jumps to 281 (moderate), and with a gentle cross-offshore breeze from the east-northeast, the waves will be clean and lined up. This is a reef break, so that long period will mean solid, well-shaped walls. It’s not huge, but it’s quality. Crowds can be around sometimes, but it’s worth it.

Then Wednesday the 5th of August morning is beautiful. The swell is still 2ft from the east-southeast, period 17 seconds – that’s very long period energy. The wind goes glassy, calm, with a combined energy of 314 (moderate). This is the cleanest window of the whole forecast. The waves will be absolutely pristine, with long waits between sets but the ride will be worth it. This is the best single session on offer.

The swell keeps building. On Saturday the 8th of August morning, a 4ft southwest swell arrives with a 16-second period, and the wind is dead calm – glassy. The combined energy hits 817 (strong). That’s a really solid wave for a reef, and it will be clean. It’s getting up there in size, so it’s not for beginners. The afternoon gets messy with onshore wind, so get in early.

The biggest swell of the outlook rolls in on Sunday the 9th of August morning. We’re looking at 8ft from the southwest, period 16 seconds, with a light cross-offshore easterly breeze. The combined energy is a massive 2664 (very strong). This is a serious groundswell. For a reef break, that size and period will produce powerful, cranking waves. But at over 8ft in the afternoon, it’s only for experienced surfers. The morning looks excellent for the crew who know what they’re doing. The water temp is about 80°F, which is normal for this time of year.

So, in short: the first week is a write-off. The second week delivers. The top picks are the afternoon of Tuesday the 4th of August, and the glassy morning of Wednesday the 5th of August for the cleanest, most enjoyable waves. If you’re after a bigger challenge, the morning of Saturday the 8th or Sunday the 9th of August are the heavy hitters, but they’re for experienced surfers only.

Stay patient, and I’ll see you out there.

Rusty

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