Rockpiles Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Rockpiles has in store for us over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, the water temp is sitting at 81.3°F with an anomaly of 0.7°F, so pretty average for this time of year – nothing to write home about, just your typical warm tropical bath.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start, honestly. Saturday the 12th sees a little pulse of swell rolling in, but it’s small – around 2.3ft from the southwest with a super long period of 15 seconds. That long period means there’s some real energy in the water for a reef setup like this, and the cross-off wind is going to keep it clean. The combined energy is moderate at 370, but the wave comment says “marginal surf forecast or questionable tide conditions,” so it’s not going to be a classic. By the afternoon, it drops to 1.6ft. It’s worth a paddle if you’re desperate, but don’t expect fireworks.

Sunday the 13th is even smaller – 1.6ft in the morning, dropping to 1.3ft in the afternoon. The forecast says “poor surf conditions.” Honestly, you’re better off doing something else.

Monday the 14th we get a tiny 1.0ft morning wave but with a whopping 23-second period. That’s a very long-period groundswell, but it’s just too small to do much with, especially at a reef break that needs some size to come alive. The wind is up a bit too, 15 mph cross-off, which will keep it clean but you’re still looking at knee-high dribble.

Tuesday the 15th is slightly better – 2.3ft in the morning from the southwest, period 20 seconds. Combined energy is 438, so moderate, but again the wave comment says marginal. The afternoon wind picks up to 19 mph, making it less appealing.

Come Wednesday the 16th, we start to see some size. Morning has 3.0ft from the SW, period 18 seconds, combined energy climbing to 540. The wind is a fresh 22 mph cross-off, which is strong but at least it’s offshore. The afternoon jumps to 3.0ft from the SSW with energy hitting 806. Still, the wave comment says marginal or questionable tide. Not a standout, but it’s getting there.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Thursday the 17th morning brings a sudden spike: 7.2ft from the ENE, but the period crashes to just 8 seconds. That’s a short-period wind swell, and combined energy is 984 – getting into strong territory. The wind is 22 mph cross-off. The wave comment says “poor surf conditions” though, so it’s probably going to be a messy, blown-out mess. By the afternoon, it’s still 7.2ft but period 10 seconds, energy hits 1395 (very strong), and the comment upgrades to “marginal” – but honestly, this is going to be a beast for experts only. Over 8ft and short period is a recipe for a washing machine. Only the most experienced should even look at it.

Friday the 18th is the standout. Morning has 6.6ft from the east, period 9 seconds, energy 1277. Still big and short-period, so it’s raw. But the afternoon? That’s the one. The swell drops to 3.3ft from the SSW, period jumps to 17 seconds – a proper groundswell – and combined energy is still a solid 1060. The wind drops to 9 mph cross-off, and the wave comment is “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” This is the best of the whole run. Rockpiles is a reef, so that long period will wrap in beautifully, and with clean cross-off wind, it’s going to be lined up and hollow. Crowds are “sometimes” an issue here, so there might be a few out, but for a wave this good, it’s worth sharing.

Saturday the 19th is a bit of a letdown after that. Morning has 3.0ft from the SSW, period 16 seconds, but the wind goes cross-shore with light breeze and ripples

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