Saltwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line.

We’ve got a stretch ahead at Saltwater, a point break that’s fairly consistent and exposed to the swell. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, so you won’t find just heavy hitters out there, but it can pull in some decent lines. Water temp is sitting at 66°, which is about normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real chance to get wet kicks off Tuesday afternoon, 11 August. We’ve got a clean 4ft swell from the SSW with a period of 8 seconds, and light offshore winds from the WSW at 9 mph. It’s not huge, but it’s clean and surfable – combined wave energy is moderate at 418. That’s a nice little warm-up.

Wednesday morning, 12 August, is a bit of a write-off with light cross-shore wind and a marginal call, but the afternoon glass-off is the real deal. Winds go glassy from the south, with a 4ft S swell at a 10-second period and energy dropping to 296. It’s small but smooth – a good session for the log or a mid-length.

Thursday, 13 August, picks up a bit. Morning sees a clean 4ft SSW swell with a moderate 12 mph offshore breeze from the southwest. It’s a little more powerful (energy at 273) but still clean. The afternoon loses points due to shorter period and cross-off wind.

Now, Friday 14 August morning is your first true standout. The swell bumps up to 5ft from the S, period 8 seconds, but the wind is light offshore from the southwest at 6 mph. Combined energy jumps well into moderate territory at 506. The call says “very good surf conditions” – this is the one to circle. Clean, punchy, and not too crowded if you’re early.

Saturday 15 August is a step down – the swell lengthens but the period drops, and cross-off winds keep things from being perfect. Not a complete dud, but not the best of the run.

Sunday morning, 16 August, offers a clean 3ft S swell and light offshore wind – it’s small but clean, with moderate energy at 209. Afternoon gets weird: a tiny 1ft SSE swell but with a very long 16-second period and energy at 186. That’s a long-period groundswell – might wrap in nicely at the point, but it’s delicate and very small. Could be fun if conditions align.

Then we hit a rough patch. Monday 17 August through Tuesday 18 August is a write-off: building swell from the ESE around 6ft to 6ft, but onshore winds and rain showers make it choppy and poor. Not worth paddling out unless you like a beating.

Wednesday 19 August shows a glimmer – morning goes glassy with a 6ft SE swell, energy at 426 and a “good” call. But there’s a risk of thunderstorms, so keep an eye on the sky.

Now, here’s the big one. Thursday 20 August – morning is your absolute standout of the whole outlook. Swell hits 10ft from the ESE, period 9 seconds, with light offshore wind from the WSW at 3 mph. Combined wave energy is a massive 1266 – that’s very strong. This is expert territory – too big for beginners. The point should handle it well, but it’s going to be thick and powerful. Get on it early before the wind swings.

Friday 21 August is still solid – 8ft ESE swell, clean light offshore wind, energy at 828. Very good conditions, but a step down from Thursday’s punch.

After that, things fade. Saturday 22 August has reasonable 5ft E swell but with rain showers and cross-off wind. Sunday 23 August offers a glassy 5ft E swell with 9-second period and energy at 394 – that’s a clean, fun size for the point.

But from Monday 24 August onward, it turns ugly. Onshore winds, poor conditions, and the swell drops to around 4ft to 5ft from the ENE or NE, but the wind is right on it or cross-on, making it choppy and messy. Not worth your time.

So, overall: hit Friday 14 August for a clean, solid session. But the absolute best on offer is Thursday 20 August morning – big, clean, and powerful. Just be sure you’ve got the experience for it.

Rusty.

Read more