Scarborough Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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Alright, let’s break it down. Friday morning, the 31st of July, we’ve got a solid 5ft of WSW groundswell at 16 seconds. That’s a long period, lots of energy (1245). But the wind is a cross-shore from the N at 9 mph, and it’s a bit choppy. The water is a chilly 63°F, which is a fair bit colder than normal for this time of year. Not the best start.

The whole weekend stays pretty average. Saturday and Sunday see the swell bump up to 8ft, with a stiff S wind on Saturday and ENE on Sunday. The wind is cross-shore, so it’s not blown out, but it’s got that cross-chop. Sunday afternoon lightens up with a NE breeze at 6 mph, finally getting a bit cleaner. The wave energy is moderate (1127).

Now, Monday morning, the 3rd of August, is where it starts to get interesting. The swell drops to a clean 4ft from the WSW, but the key here is the wind. It’s glassy – a 3 mph S breeze. That’s a major positive. The wave energy is weaker (682), but the glassy surface will make those waves look like a million bucks. It’s a good one for the beginners.

But the real standout? Tuesday morning, the 4th of August. We’ve got a 8ft WSW groundswell with a period of 18 seconds – that’s very long period groundswell. The combined energy is a whopping 3316, so it’s got plenty of punch. And the wind? Glassy. A 3 mph WNW breeze. This is a recipe for perfection. The report says "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers" – and that’s bang on. This is a big, powerful, clean swell. For expert surfers, this is the pick of the week. The only thing to remember is that with such a long period, it might break a bit straight on the beach, so it’ll be better if you can find a peak.

Wednesday morning, the 5th, is still clean with a 3 mph NNE cross-off wind and 8ft of swell, but the period drops to 16 seconds. Still a ripper, but not quite as epic as Tuesday.

Then it gets messy. Thursday, the 6th, the wind picks up onshore and the swell jumps to 10ft. That’s getting too big for beginners, and with the onshore wind, it’s a mess. The combined energy is strong (3840). The following days are a write-off with strong winds and a huge swell. By Saturday the 8th of August, we’re looking at a 16ft swell with a near gale-force cross-onshore wind. That’s not for paddle surfing, that’s kite territory.

The next 10th and 11th look awful with onshore winds. The 13th of August sees the swell drop back to 7ft, but the wind is still onshore and messy.

The best of the bunch is Tuesday morning, the 4th of August. If you’re an experienced surfer, that’s your window. The clean, glassy conditions on a powerful groundswell will be heaven. Monday morning, the 3rd, is a close second for anyone wanting a clean, smaller wave.

Rusty.

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