Sawtell-The Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty here with a look at what’s on offer at Sawtell-The Island over the next couple of weeks. This is an advanced spot, fairly consistent, exposed to swell with an optimum direction from the SE. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

Right now, we’re in a quiet patch. It’s Thursday the 23rd with a tiny 3ft easterly swell, period around 9 seconds, and light cross-off winds in the morning. It’s surfable but very ordinary – combined energy is weak at (135). Afternoon turns cross-on and mushy, not worth paddling out for. Friday the 24th sees a bump in size to 4ft from the SSE, but the period drops to 6 seconds and a 12 mph cross-off wind keeps it clean but marginal – energy moderate (210). Still not the good stuff.

Saturday the 25th is where things start to get interesting. Morning brings a 5ft SSE swell with a very long period of 14 seconds, combined energy cranking up to (1074). Winds are light cross, so it’s clean but with a slight cross-chop. This is the first real standout – a long-period groundswell that’ll push through. Keep in mind that long period swells like this can make beach breaks a bit straight, but Sawtell’s setup can handle it. It’s a good option for advanced surfers, though the size is manageable for those with experience. Sunday morning the 26th is glassy with a 3ft SSE swell, period 13 seconds, energy moderate (333). It’s clean but small.

We hit a lull from Monday the 27th through Wednesday the 29th – tiny swells under 3ft, weak energy (down to 23), and mostly onshore or strong winds. Not much happening.

Then Thursday the 30th sees a pulse: 8ft to 8ft SSE swell, period 11 seconds, energy strong (1335-1531). Winds are cross-off from the SSW at 16 mph, so clean, but it’s getting big – only for advanced surfers. The real standout is Friday the 31st of July morning: a solid 10ft southerly swell, period 12 seconds, and combined energy hammering at (4065). Wind is cross-off at 12 mph, so it’s clean, but this is too big for beginners – experts only. That’s the biggest and best-looking window, with excellent conditions forecast for experienced surfers.

Saturday the 1st of August and Sunday the 2nd hold good clean conditions with 7ft to 6ft SE swells and light cross-off winds Sunday morning – energy dropping from (1190) to (770). Monday the 3rd through Tuesday the 4th offer smaller clean waves around 4ft to 3ft, glassy on Tuesday morning, good for a relaxed session. Wednesday the 5th is clean in the morning at 3ft, but afternoon turns messy.

Looking further out, Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th of August bring some solid pulse again: 8ft to 7ft SE swells, period 8 seconds, cross-off winds, energy strong (1015-1039) – excellent for experienced surfers, but the shorter period means less punch.

Overall, the best of the bunch is Friday morning the 31st of July: a big 10ft south swell, clean cross-off wind, and very high energy. For those with the skills, that’s the one to aim for. The Saturday the 25th long-period swell is a close second for cleaner conditions at a more manageable size. Crowds are possible at Sawtell, so keep that in mind on the standout days.

Rusty.

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