Saltwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s happening at Saltwater.

The outlook gets interesting after a slow start. There’s a real run of solid, clean south swell energy coming through from Thursday August 27th through the end of that week and into the weekend. The water temp is 66°, which is about average for this time of year, so no need for extra rubber just yet.

Early on, Tuesday the 25th and Wednesday the 26th are total write-offs. The swell is messy, the wind is wrong, and it’s a no-go. Don’t bother paddling out.

Thursday the 27th morning is where it kicks off. A clean 6ft south swell fills in, period around 8 seconds, with a light cross-offshore breeze. The wave energy is moderate at 607. It’s not the biggest but the conditions look prime for a beginner-friendly point. Crowds are often possible, so expect company.

Thursday afternoon holds at 5ft from the south, period nudging up to 9 seconds, still clean with a light breeze. Good, consistent fun.

Friday the 28th morning is a little gem. Swell drops to 3ft, but it’s a long-period 12-second south-southeast groundswell, and the wind is glassy—dead calm. That’s as clean as it gets. Wave energy is moderate at 409. This is the kind of morning where you can sit alone and watch the sets roll in perfectly.

Saturday the 29th morning delivers a pumping 5ft south-southeast swell, period 11 seconds, with light offshore wind. Wave energy climbs to 563, and the surf is very good. This is a standout. Afternoon pushes a bit bigger to 6ft with a 10-second period, still clean. That afternoon session could be the best of the week, but it’s getting into the zone where beginners might want to sit it out.

Sunday the 30th morning is a clean 3ft south-southeast swell, light offshore. Good for a recovery session. Wind picks up in the afternoon making it a bit choppy.

Monday the 31st morning is another standout. A clean 3ft south-southeast swell with a very long 16-second period, and glassy conditions. That groundswell will wrap beautifully around this point. Wave energy is strong at 770, which is impressive for the size. There will be long waits between sets, but the waves that come through will be well-shaped and powerful.

After that, the forecast gets tricky. From Tuesday September 1st onwards, quality drops off with onshore winds and weaker energy. There’s a lull through to midweek, and Thursday the 3rd and Friday the 4th are flat and not worth a look.

Around Sunday the 6th and Monday the 7th of September, the swell tries to push back in but the wind is messy, making it poor for paddle surfing. If you’re into kiting, the beach might look more interesting on those days.

The second week shows modest improvement. Tuesday the 8th of September morning has clean 2ft south swell with a light offshore and moderate energy (230). Wednesday the 9th morning has a fresh 30 km/h offshore wind grooming a 5ft south swell, but it’s short-period and only marginal for quality.

Overall, your best bets are definitely Thursday the 27th through to Monday the 31st of August. The absolute standout is Saturday the 29th morning for that solid, clean south swell, and Monday the 31st morning for the long-period groundswell in glassy conditions.

Keep your eyes on the horizon, and I’ll see you in the lineup.

Rusty.

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