Sawtell-The Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s talk about Sawtell – The Island. This is a solid, exposed point break that needs a decent southerly groundswell to fire, and there’s a bit of a run coming, but you’ve gotta pick your moments. The water’s about 68°, which is dead average for this time of year – no drama.

The first real chance to surf is Tuesday morning, the 21st of July. There’s a 5ft easterly swell with a 10-second period, and the wind is a light cross-off from the southwest at 6 mph. That’s clean, with moderate wave energy (552). The break is fairly consistent, but it’s an advanced spot, so don’t be a hero if you’re not ready. Crowds are possible. That morning is the only window, because by afternoon the wind turns onshore and it’s done.

Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd drop off. Swell sinks to 4ft, then 3ft, with cross-shore breezes and chop. Not worth your time. Friday the 24th pops back up to 6ft from the SSE, but with a short 8-second period and a moderate south wind at 12 mph. It’s clean with the cross-off, but it’s messy energy (403).

The first standout is Saturday morning, the 25th of July. Glassy – zero wind – and a 5ft SSE swell with a long 13-second period. That’s proper groundswell, strong energy (724). The point will love that period, giving you clean, long lines. This is the best of the first week. Sunday the 26th and Monday the 27th are okay with 4ft and 3ft from the SSE, clean mornings, but nothing to write home about.

Then we hit a flat spell. From Tuesday the 28th through to Wednesday the 30th morning, the swell drops to 2ft, then 1ft, with weak energy and onshore winds. That’s a couple of days of nothing.

The next big one hits Thursday the 30th of July. A 8ft SSE swell with a 12-second period, energy at 1569 – strong. Glassy morning with a light cross-off from the SSW. That’s expert only, over 8ft. Friday the 31st is the absolute standout: 7ft from the SSE, but with a very long 14-second period, and energy at 1931. Glassy again. The point will be a beast. This is the one to aim for.

Over the first weekend of August, the swell stays solid. Saturday the 1st has 6ft from the SSE, clean morning, and Sunday the 2nd sees 7ft, glassy. Both have strong energy. Then Monday the 3rd of August goes to 10ft from the south, with a cross-off wind at 19 mph. That’s enormous, with energy at 3925. Only for the crazy ones. Tuesday and Wednesday stay big but with strong winds.

So, the real standout is the morning of Friday the 31st of July – 7ft, 14-second, glassy, SSE groundswell. The second best is Saturday the 25th of July – glassy, 5ft, 13-second SSE. Get there early, and don’t miss those windows. The rest is a mixed bag with a flat spot in the middle. Stay keen.

Rusty.

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