Scarecrows Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Scarecrows over the next couple of weeks. This is a solid, exposed reef break that’s only for the advanced crew—don’t even think about paddling out unless you’ve got the skills. The water temp is sitting at 86°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a bit of a flat start. The first few days from Thursday the 23rd of July through Monday the 27th are pretty average. There’s swell around, pushing 5 ft to 7 ft from the SSE, but the winds are mostly cross or cross-off and on the stronger side, 15 to 19 mph. It’s messy, with a moderate breeze and a cross-chop, so the quality is shot. You’re looking at marginal conditions at best, and Thursday the 23rd afternoon and Friday the 24th have the added joy of risk of thunderstorms. Not worth suiting up for. Combined swell energy is moderate, hovering between 608 and 944, but it’s not doing you any favours. This stretch is a write-off.

Then we hit a quieter patch from Tuesday the 28th of July through Wednesday the 29th. The swell drops right back to 2 ft to 3 ft from the SSW, but the wind goes light and glassy, especially on Wednesday morning and afternoon with a glassy surface. Periods are 14 to 16 seconds, which is long-period groundswell, so the waves will have some shape and heft for their size, and paddling out will be a dream. Combined energy is weak, around 434 to 475, but it’s clean. It’s small, but if you’re desperate for a trim, you could scratch out some fun ones.

Now, the real standout starts on Thursday the 30th of July. That morning we get a jump in period to 19 seconds, a 3 ft SSW swell, and clean conditions with light cross-off winds. Combined energy jumps to 1028, strong enough to feel. It’s excellent for experienced surfers, and it’s the pick of the first week. The Friday the 31st of July morning is a carbon copy, with 4 ft from the SW and 17-second period, energy at 1127, also rated excellent. Saturday the 1st of August morning is still solid, 5 ft from the SSW with 17-second period, clean and cross-off. That Saturday afternoon goes glassy, same size, and it’s rated excellent too. This is where you want to be—clean, long-period groundswell at a reef break, so it’ll wrap in and give you proper lines. The swell direction is SSW, and Scarecrows loves swell from the SW, so it’s a match made in heaven.

Crowds are listed as “sometimes,” so you might have a few out, but it won’t be a zoo. With the reef break nature, the long period means it’ll be groomed and not breaking too straight. For the experienced surfer, this is the prime window.

The second week keeps pumping but gets a bit more mixed. Sunday the 2nd of August morning is glassy again, 4 ft from the SSW and 15-second period, excellent conditions. The afternoon goes cross-onshore and slightly messy. From Monday the 3rd to Wednesday the 5th, the swell stays solid at 5 ft to 7 ft from the SSW, but the winds turn cross or cross-onshore, and wave comments drop to marginal. The 7 ft on Tuesday the 4th of August is pushing big for this spot—over 8 ft is expert-only, so 7 ft is still doable for advanced surfers but be wary. Combined energy hits 2774, which is strong, but with a cross-chop it won’t be as clean.

Then another bright spot: Thursday the 6th of August afternoon goes glassy with 5 ft from the SSW and 14-second period, rated excellent for experienced surfers. NE offshore wind in the morning before going calm. Friday the 7th of August looks more marginal, with cross winds and a slight cross-chop. So the absolute standout pick? Saturday the 1st of August morning and afternoon, with clean, glassy conditions and that solid 5 ft groundswell from the SSW. That’s your session.

But hey, if you can get out on Thursday the 30th of July morning, that 19-second period is special. It’s a long way out, so keep an eye on it.

Rusty.

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