Scarborough Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for us.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but it’s not all bad. The first real action we’re looking at kicks off on Monday morning, the 24th of August, at Scarborough Beach. This is an exposed, west-facing spot, so it needs a decent westerly push to get going, and it’s getting it. The water’s sitting at 64°F, which is about what you’d expect for this time of year, nothing unusual there.

Monday morning, August 24th is the standout early in the week. We’ve got a solid 7 ft swell rolling in from the WSW with a long period of 14 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. The wind is a light SSE cross-offshore at just 3 mph, so the surface will be clean. The wave energy is strong (1680), so there’s plenty of power in the water. This is excellent for experienced surfers; the size and the long period means it’ll be a bit much for beginners, but for those who know what they’re doing, it’s going to be a good session. The afternoon holds up at 6 ft, but the wind swings to a light cross-on, so it’ll get a bit of texture.

Tuesday, August 25th is a write-off. The wind picks up strong from the NW, ramping up to 16 mph, ripping cross-on and making a mess of the 4 ft to 6 ft swell. Don’t bother.

Wednesday, August 26th has size, but it’s a problem. The morning brings a 10 ft swell with a very long period of 19 seconds and a nasty 22 mph cross-on wind. The wave energy is massive (7454), but the wind will be a battle. The afternoon sees the swell jump to 12 ft, but with heavy rain and a 9 mph cross-on wind. It’s simply too big and messy for a paddle. If you’re into kite surfing, this setup might be your thing, but for a surfboard, it’s a hard pass.

Thursday, August 27th is still blown out with strong cross-shore winds, and the swell is still big and lumpy. Not worth it.

There’s a glimmer of hope on Friday morning, August 28th. The swell drops to a manageable 6 ft from the WSW, with a 13-second period. The wind is a light SSE cross-off at 9 mph, keeping the waves clean. The wave energy is moderate (903). It’s not the biggest day, but it’s a solid, surfable option for a morning session.

Saturday, August 29th is where things get interesting. The morning is a bit small at 3 ft, but with a 19-second period and a clean 9 mph offshore wind from the east. It’ll be small and clean. The real magic is Saturday afternoon. The swell picks up to 5 ft, the period is a solid 16 seconds, and the wind drops to glassy conditions. The wave energy is good (1457). This is a beautiful, glassy afternoon session. The break is fairly consistent, so you should get some waves. It’s a beginner-friendly size, but the quality will be for everyone.

Sunday, August 30th morning is another option. A 6 ft swell with a 16-second period and a clean cross-off wind. The waves will be clean and have some punch. The afternoon gets a bit of cross-on wind, but it’s still rideable.

After that, the forecast gets a bit messy. From Monday, August 31st through to the end of the first week of September, the wind is mostly onshore or cross-on, with the swell staying around 6 ft to 8 ft. The wave energy is moderate, but the wind is just not cooperating. It’s a stretch of marginal conditions.

There’s a big gap of poor conditions, but we do have a couple of distant possibilities. On Monday morning, September 7th, there’s an 8 ft swell from the WSW with a 12-second period, and the wind is forecast to be glassy. That’s a powerful swell and clean conditions. The size (8 ft) puts it right at the limit for experts, but if you’re skilled, the glassy conditions will make it an incredible session. That’s a promising one, but it’s a long way out, so keep an eye on it.

Tuesday morning, September 8th looks like a cleaner, smaller option at 5 ft with a light cross-off wind. A good way to finish the run.

So, for the best on offer: Monday morning, August 24th is the immediate standout for experienced surfers on the bigger swell. But the real gem of the whole run is Saturday afternoon, August 29th – glassy conditions, clean 5 ft waves, and a solid period. That’s the one to circle on your calendar.

Rusty.

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