Sawtell-The Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, grab ya cuppa, let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for our stretch of coast.

First up, there’s a big ol’ pulse of south-east swell that’ll be hammering Sawtell-The Island from Monday the 6th of July onwards. This spot is an exposed advanced break, fairly consistent, and it’s gonna cop the full brunt of this swell. The water temp is sittin’ about average for this time of year at 68°, nothin’ wild there.

Now, the forecast is pretty clear: the combined energy comin’ in Monday and Tuesday is massive – I’m talkin’ nearly 1400 on Monday mornin’ and blowin’ out to over 4600 by Tuesday mornin’ (6th & 7th July). That’s a whole lotta ocean push. But here’s the rub – these swells are comin’ in around 10 ft to 12 ft. That’s too big for most of us, especially at a spot that’s already advanced. Wind is cross-off from the south, which keeps the face clean, but the sheer size and energy means this is expert territory only. Don’t even think about paddlin’ out if you’re not solid. The consistent sets and long-period groundswell (11 seconds) will be pumpin’, but for The Island, it might be a bit too much straight-up power.

Wednesday the 8th still has a solid 12 ft morning, size droppin’ to 8 ft arvo – still punchy. By Thursday the 9th, the swell backs off to 8 ft and 7 ft, combined energy still moderate at 1929 and 940. But the wind stays cross-off, so it’s clean, but the surf quality scores are sayin’ it’s marginal – likely because of tide and the residual size.

Now, here’s where it gets real interesting. Friday July 10th and Saturday July 11th are shapin’ up to be the standout window for those who can handle a bit of size but want quality. Friday mornin’ has 6 ft from the south-east, clean cross-off breeze, and the energy sits at 738 – moderately strong. The waves will be well-shaped, and it’s a solid size for experienced surfers. Saturday July 11th mornin’ is pure glass – zero wind, 4 ft south-east swell, glassy as a mirror. That’s the pick of the whole period, really. The Island won’t be too crowded early, but it can see people around – a few crew will sniff out that glass.

Sunday the 12th keeps the good vibes rollin’ with 4 ft clean lines and light cross-off from the north-west. Decent.

After that, the surf drops off hard. Monday 13th is tiny – 2 ft, low energy (59). A long flat spell kicks in from about the 13th through to the 16th. There’s a little bump on Tuesday 16th arvo with 4 ft but it’s short period and poor conditions – not worth your time.

Then the forecast shows another big pulse arrives around Friday 17th July and Saturday 18th July. That Friday arvo has a massive 13 ft south-east swell with 14-second period and combined energy of 10073 – that’s astronomical. Way too big for The Island – experts only, and even then, it’s a heavy call. Saturday 18th mornin’ drops to a still-burly 8 ft from the south, clean cross-off, and the energy is 2472 – strong. The comment says “excellent surf for experienced surfers” and it’s the second standout. That Saturday mornin’ (18th July) is gonna be a belter for anyone with the skills and the nerve.

Sunday 19th mornin’ has glassy 4 ft again, but the wind shifts cross-on in the arvo and ruins it. After that, it fades back to tiny stuff through to the 21st.

So if you’re askin’ me, the absolute best windows are: Saturday mornin’ July 11th – glassy, clean, solid fun-size swell. And for the big dogs, Saturday mornin’ July 18th – a big, powerful, clean south swell for the experienced crew. Both are winners, but the 11th is the one I’d paddle out for.

Rusty.

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