Sandtracks Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I won’t sugarcoat it—this outlook for Sandtracks is a tough one. The whole 16-day window is a grind for paddle surfing. There’s not a single session that gets a proper green light; most of the time it’s cross-shore winds, lumpy chop, and poor conditions. The first real sniff of anything worth paddling out for doesn’t show up until Thursday 16th July, and even then it’s only a marginal call with a 2ft south-southwest swell—nothing to get excited about.

The water temp is sitting at 80°F, which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so at least you won’t be freezing while you’re getting frustrated.

The pattern is dominated by persistent east-northeast winds, mostly in the fresh breeze range, keeping things cross-shore and chopped up. Through the first week, the swell is small—mostly 2ft to 3ft—with decent periods over 14 seconds from the southwest, so there’s some energy there (combined energy values like 575 to 714), but the wind just kills any quality. The swell direction from the southwest is a decent match for Sandtracks’ optimum from the south-southeast, but it doesn’t save it.

Sunday 19th July sees a bit more size—5ft to 5ft—but it’s an east-northeast windswell with a short period of 8 seconds, and still cross-shore winds. That combo is more messy than inviting. If you’re into kite surfing, this setup might be your jam, but for paddle surfing, it’s a pass.

The best window in the whole run is around Wednesday 22nd July to Thursday 23rd July. On Wednesday afternoon, a 2ft south-southwest groundswell rolls in with an incredibly long period of 24 seconds—that’s very long-period energy—pushing the combined energy to a strong 1005. The wind is a moderate cross-shore, not ideal but improved. Thursday 23rd morning is the standout: a 3ft south-southwest swell with a 21-second period and combined energy of 1355. The wind is a moderate cross-shore from the east at 12 mph, which is still cross but the lightest in the whole run. The swell direction (south-southwest) is a fantastic match for the optimum direction (south-southeast). That long period makes it a proper groundswell, perfect for a reef like Sandtracks—long gaps between sets, clean lines, but it might break a bit too straight for some. It’s only a marginal call, but it’s the best you’ll get.

Then Saturday 26th July looks promising too: 5ft south swell with an 18-19 second period, combined energy hitting 1629 in the morning—moderate to strong energy—and gentler east-northeast winds. The size is edging into intermediate territory, but the winds are lighter and the swell quality is there.

So, to sum it up: there’s no truly standout day, but if you’re desperate, Thursday 23rd July morning is the pick—best swell direction, longest period, and the most manageable wind. Saturday 26th July is worth watching too. The rest is a write-off. Crowds are likely at Sandtracks, but on these marginal days, you might have it more to yourself.

Stay patient, mate. Forecasts can change.

Rusty.

Read more