Sawtell-The Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s comin’ up for Sawtell – The Island. This is an advanced-level wave that’s fairly consistent, exposed to the south-east, and works best with a SE swell direction. The water temp is sittin’ around 68°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year – no surprises there.

The outlook starts out pretty flat. Monday the 13th sees a tiny 2ft south swell, but it’s onshore, poor surf – not worth paddlin’ out for. Tuesday the 14th is even smaller, so you’re lookin’ at a couple of days with nothin’ on offer. Wednesday the 15th starts to show some life with a 4ft south swell in the morning, but the wind is strong and the period is short at 7 seconds – it’s messy despite bein’ cross-off. The afternoon jumps to 7ft but with a fresh 30 km/h south wind, and the combined energy is moderate (417). Still not quality.

Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th have solid 7ft to 7ft SSE swell, but the wind is strong and it’s all rated poor to marginal. The energy is moderate to strong (495 to 482). Saturday the 18th sees a bit of a drop, but still 5ft to 7ft ESE swell, with moderate cross-off wind, keepin’ it clean but only marginal. The energy is moderate (397 to 634).

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Sunday the 19th is the first standout. The swell builds to 8ft from the ESE, with a period stretchin’ to 9–10 seconds, and the combined energy hits strong to very strong (1145 to 1287). The wind is cross-off, so it’s clean. That’s a solid groundswell, but at 8ft it’s pushin’ into expert territory, and with longer period, The Island can handle it – it’s a reef, so it’ll shape up. Just be aware the crowds can be an issue sometimes.

Monday the 20th is another cracker. The morning shows 7ft ESE swell at 10 seconds, with light cross-off wind and very good surf conditions. The energy is strong (823). The afternoon turns a bit cross-shore, so the morning session is the go.

Tuesday the 21st is a gem. Swell drops to 6ft from the east, 10-second period, and light SSW wind – near glassy. The energy is moderate (591) but the conditions are rated very good. That’s a clean, fun wave for advanced surfers.

From Wednesday the 22nd onward, the swell settles into the 3ft to 5ft range, with east direction and periods between 9 and 13 seconds. The wind stays mostly cross-off or glassy, makin’ for clean conditions. Wednesday the 22nd afternoon is glassy with 5ft east swell – that’s a real treat. Thursday the 23rd morning is also glassy, with a 5ft east swell at 11 seconds – very good surf. The energy is moderate (538).

The following week continues with clean, manageable waves. Saturday the 25th afternoon shows 4ft east swell at 12 seconds, with gentle cross-off wind – good surf. Monday the 27th morning is flat calm, glassy, with 3ft east swell at 12 seconds – a nice little window. Tuesday the 28th morning has a 3ft east swell at 13 seconds with offshore wind – clean and groomed.

Overall, the standout days are Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th for the biggest, energetic swell, and Tuesday the 21st and Thursday the 23rd morning for clean, quality conditions. The period from the 22nd onward is a nice run of small, clean waves – not huge, but well-shaped and fun. No need for kites here – it’s all paddle-surfable when the wind plays nice.

Rusty.

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