72nd Place Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's get real about the next few weeks at 72nd Place.

We’ve got a bit of a rough patch ahead to be honest. The pattern is pretty stubborn – consistent southerly swell, but the wind just won't get out of the way. Most of the time that southwesterly breeze is blowing straight onshore or cross-onshore, which puts a real chop on things. The water is feeling a lot warmer than usual for this time of year, running about 70°, which is a couple of degrees above normal, so at least the wait will be comfortable.

The first week is almost a write-off. From Monday the 20th right through to Sunday the 26th, it’s one session after another of ‘poor surf conditions’. The swell height bounces around between 2ft and 4ft, mostly out of the SSW, but the wind is just making a mess of it. On Wednesday morning the 22nd there’s a 3ft swell from SSW with a 15-second period and a light onshore breeze, but the overall wave energy is still moderate (385) and conditions just aren’t there. Thursday afternoon the 23rd sees a jump to 4ft from the S with 13-second period and strong to very strong energy (713), but again that moderate cross-onshore wind kills it.

We finally see a glimmer on Friday morning the 24th. The swell is still around 4ft from the S, period at 13 seconds, and the combined energy is strong to very strong (1073). The wind is a light cross-onshore, which isn't perfect, but it’s the best we’ve seen and might just about be rideable if you're keen. The forecast calls it marginal, which feels about right.

Saturday the 25th morning is interesting – a tiny 3ft swell from the SSW, but the period is a very long 21 seconds. That's proper groundswell. It could wrap in with some serious push for its size, but a long period swell like that can be tricky at a beach break like this, tending to run straight. The wind is light and onshore again though, so it's another ‘maybe if you're desperate’ kind of day. Energy is moderate (935).

The second week runs pretty dry with that same onshore/cross-onshore wind pattern. Even on Sunday the 2nd of August, when we get a small 2ft swell from SW with a 14-second period, the wind is either light onshore or moderate cross-onshore with choppy conditions. The energy is weak (197). This stretch just isn't doing us any favours.

Now, the real standout to keep an eye on is Tuesday, the 4th of August. That’s a week and a half away, so long-range caution is needed, but the numbers are exciting. We’re looking at a 5ft to 5ft swell out of the S with a 15-second period and very strong energy (1189-1355). The wind is light and onshore in the morning, becoming a gentle onshore in the afternoon. For a spot that’s ‘inconsistent’ and sheltered from the SW, this is a solid pulse. At 5ft to 5ft, it’s manageable for competent surfers but getting a bit too big for beginners. The direction isn't a perfect match with the optimum SW direction for the break, but with that kind of power and period, it will be the best chance in this entire 16-day forecast. Mark it in the calendar, but don't book the day off just yet.

For now, it’s all about patience.

Rusty.

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