Shark Island (Cronulla) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way for Shark Island (Cronulla).

First up, we’ve got a bit of a quiet start. Nothing doing on Wednesday the 29th – a tiny 0.3 ft south swell with a super long 17-second period won’t get the heart racing, and the wind is up anyway. We’ve got to wait until Thursday morning the 30th for things to kick off.

Thursday morning brings a clean, crisp start. A 5 ft south swell, period at 9 seconds, and a light offshore wind from the southwest. The combined energy hits 403 (moderate), so there’s some push. This is a solid, surfable wave for experienced folks. The water temp is about 64°, pretty much spot on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Thursday afternoon sees the swell bump up a touch to 6 ft from the south, still a 9-second period, with a cross-off breeze. Energy jumps to 795, but the score suggests it’s a little marginal, likely due to tide or the wind angle. Still, it’s clean and better than nothing.

Friday the 31st is where it gets interesting. A solid 7 ft south swell, 10-second period, with a cross-off wind. The combined energy is well into the strong range – 1616 and 1618 for the morning and afternoon. This is a proper swell for Shark Island. It’s a reef break, so that longish period will wrap in nicely. But a 7 ft wave here is for advanced surfers only. The cross-off wind will keep it semi-clean, but expect some chop as the afternoon breeze fills in.

Saturday the 1st of August offers a 5 ft south-southeast swell with light offshore winds in the morning. Clean, glassy conditions with energy at 588. It’s a good option if Friday’s size is too much. Saturday afternoon the wind swings east and gets light, so it gets a bit crumbly.

Sunday the 2nd holds a 6 ft south-southeast swell, but it’s a longer 12-second period. The problem is a cross-onshore wind from the north-northwest, making it choppy. By afternoon, a strong onshore breeze from the northeast kills it. Not worth the paddle.

Then we hit a big dry spell. From Monday the 3rd all the way through to Wednesday the 13th of August, it’s poor. Swells drop out, wind is onshore or cross-shore, and the energy is weak – often under 100. There’s a brief burp on Thursday the 13th with a 4 ft to 4 ft south swell and a cross-off wind, but the energy (333-521) is moderate and the scores are poor. It’s just not happening.

If you’re looking for the standout, it’s Friday the 31st of July. That 7 ft south swell with the 10-second period and cross-off wind is the biggest, most powerful wave in the window. Shark Island loves a south swell, and the offshore direction is spot on. Be warned: crowds are possible here, and that size is expert territory.

For the slightly smaller and cleaner option, Thursday morning the 30th is your best bet for a fun, manageable session.

That’s the story. A short, sharp burst of winter swell, then a long, flat, wind-affected wait. Make the most of the 30th and 31st.

Rusty.

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