Rolling Stones Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of surf lined up over the next couple of weeks at Rolling Stones, a powerful reef break that demands respect. The water’s sitting at 54°, which is noticeably colder than usual for this time of year – a bit of a shock to the system, so don’t forget the extra rubber. The energy early on is moderate, but it really cranks up later.

It all kicks off this Saturday morning, 22 August. The swell is a clean 4ft from the south with a nice 12-second period, and the wind is light offshore from the northwest. Combined energy is a moderate 496 – feeling solid, with clean lines. Saturday arvo goes glassy, with the swell dropping slightly to 4ft, but those silky conditions will make for some memorable rides. This is good, fun surfing.

Sunday morning, 23 August, gets a bit messy. The swell drops to 2ft and while the wind is still offshore from the northwest at 16 mph, the energy is weak at 138. Arvo is even smaller and less exciting.

Now, here’s a standout: Monday morning, 24 August. The swell pulses up to 8ft from the south-southwest, period 9 seconds, and the energy jumps to a strong 1457. Wind is light cross-offshore from the west. This is powerful, ground-style swell – but at this size, it’s for experienced surfers only. The afternoon sees a 7ft south swell with a very long 14-second period and a huge energy of 2049. The wind shifts cross-shore, so there’ll be some texture, but the raw power is undeniable. This is the peak of the run.

Tuesday, 25 August, eases back nicely. Morning has 5ft south swell, 12 seconds, light cross-off wind, and clean conditions. Tuesday arvo goes glassy with 4ft – a perfect session for those wanting to step down from the morning’s energy.

Wednesday, 26 August, is smaller but still fun. A 2ft swell from the south with a very long 17-second period and cross-off wind in the morning. The period is so long that the sets will be far apart, but the shape at this reef will be excellent. Energy is moderate at 442. Arvo goes glassy with a 3ft, 16-second swell – clean and drawn-out.

Another big moment: Thursday morning, 27 August. A solid 6ft south swell, 16-second period, and a light offshore from the north-northwest. Energy hits a very strong 1684. This is a serious groundswell, and for advanced surfers it will be firing. The afternoon gets cross-onshore and a bit bumpy, so aim for the morning.

Friday, 28 August, holds a clean 4ft south swell in the morning with offshore wind, energy at 1017 – still plenty of power. Arvo sees 5ft with a 13-second period and cross-off wind, with a solid energy of 733. Both sessions are very good.

Saturday, 29 August, the swell drops to 4ft in the morning, but wind is strong offshore from the north at 12 mph. A bit choppy, but clean faces. Arvo is poor and smaller.

Sunday, 30 August, has minimal energy – 2ft or less and weak. The run goes quiet.

Monday, 31 August, brings onshore wind and rain. The swell climbs to 4ft with a very long 17-second period, but the cross-onshore wind and choppy conditions make it a write-off.

Now, look ahead: Tuesday morning, 1 September. A new pulse arrives with 5ft from the south, a very long 16-second period, and a strong offshore wind from the northwest at 12 mph. Energy is very strong at 1393. The discipline required is high, but it’s another serious session for those who know what they’re doing.

Wednesday, 2 September, fades with cross-shore winds and a lumpy surface. Thursday, 3 September, looks glassy in the morning with 3ft from the south, 13-second period, and calm wind – a quiet, clean opportunity. Friday, 4 September, has 5ft from the south but only a 9-second period, which is choppier and less appealing.

The final days, 5 and 6 September, taper off into small, weak surf or rain and onshore wind. There’s a solid 5-6 day stretch of quality waves from Saturday 22 August through Wednesday 27 August, with the absolute standout being Monday morning 24 August for power, and Thursday morning 27 August for groundswell perfection.

Rusty.

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