Rockpiles Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s on the table for Rockpiles over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be straight with you – it’s a rough start, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel if you’re patient.

Right now, and for the next several days, it’s a write-off for any decent paddle surfing. We’ve got a lot of wind and messy conditions. The first recommendation we get isn’t until late in the piece. From Friday 14 August through to about Wednesday 26 August, it’s a long, frustrating gap. There’s plenty of swell in there, but it’s either blown out by strong easterly winds or it’s too small and weak. A lot of that period is just marginal at best, with the wind either howling or the swell energy being low. Honestly, some of those bigger days with the wind howling from the ENE at 31 mph look more like a kite surfer’s dream than a surfer’s.

For the first real standout, you’ve got to look way ahead. The best of the whole run shapes up on Thursday 27 August and into Friday 28 August. That’s over a week away, so treat it as promising but not locked in.

On Thursday 27 August afternoon, Rockpiles finally gets its act together. We’re looking at a solid 4ft of groundswell rolling in from the east, with a long period of 17 seconds. That’s proper energy, and the combined swell energy is strong at 1568. The wind is light from the northeast, which is cross-offshore and will keep it glassy and clean. This is a reef break, and a long period swell like this – over 15 seconds – really suits a setup like Rockpiles, giving it shape and power. It’s an advanced spot, so it’s for experienced surfers only. This is the pick of the bunch.

Friday 28 August morning is a very close second. Still 4ft of east swell, period dropping slightly to 16 seconds, and light offshore winds from the ENE. The energy is still very strong at 1592. Conditions will be clean and lined up. The afternoon sees the wind shift a little cross-shore, but it’s still manageable.

Water temp is around 81°F, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

To sum it up: don’t bother with the first week and a half. Wait for that window around Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August. That’s your chance for some quality, clean waves at Rockpiles.

Rusty.

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