Shark Island (Cronulla) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but the waiting will be worth it. The real action kicks off on Thursday the 30th of July and runs through to the following Wednesday, with a couple of standout windows that are gonna have you frothing.

First up, the water temp is sitting at 63°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so don’t expect any surprises there.

The first few days are pretty ordinary. Saturday the 25th gives us a 5ft south swell at 11 seconds, but the wind is cross-off and the combined energy is moderate at 605. It’s only marginal. Saturday afternoon cleans up with glassy conditions and a 4ft south swell, but the energy drops to 363. Sunday the 26th morning looks better – 6ft south swell, 11 seconds, light offshore from the WSW, and combined energy of 739 (moderate). That’s a solid session. Afternoon turns cross-shore and drops off. Monday and Tuesday are small and weak, with combined energy falling below 100 by Tuesday morning. Not worth paddling out.

Now, here’s where it gets good. Thursday the 30th of July morning is a proper standout. We’ve got a 8ft south swell, 9-second period, and clean offshore wind from the SSW at 15 mph. The combined energy is a massive 1631 – that’s strong wave energy. This is excellent surf, but it’s only for experienced surfers. Anything over 8ft can be a handful, and this is right on the edge. The wind is offshore and clean, and even though the period is only 9 seconds, the energy is pumping. This is the best of the bunch.

Friday the 31st of July morning is another good one – 7ft south swell, 9 seconds, offshore wind from the SSW at 15 mph, combined energy of 1071 (strong). Very good surf, but again, strong for all but the most experienced. The afternoon gets cross-off and messy.

We’ve got a bit of a lull over the first weekend of August, with small waves and poor conditions.

Then, Wednesday the 5th of August morning is another big standout. A 7ft SSE groundswell with a very long period of 13 seconds, light offshore wind from the SW at 6 mph, and combined energy of 1570 (strong). This is excellent for experienced surfers again. The long period means the wave shape will be good, but it might break a bit straight at the beach – at Shark Island, a reef break, it should handle this beautifully. The morning is the pick, as the afternoon brings cross-onshore wind.

The rest of the second week is a mix of moderate swells and onshore winds, with a few marginal sessions. The 8th of August Saturday morning has a 10ft SSE swell with 8 seconds, but it’s cross-shore and a bit messy. The 9th of August Sunday morning holds 8ft SSE swell at 11 seconds with cross-off wind, but it’s still described as marginal.

So, to sum it up: the best of the best is Thursday the 30th of July morning, with a close second on Wednesday the 5th of August morning. Both are for experienced surfers only, with solid offshore winds and strong groundswell energy. Don’t bother with the first few days – wait for the real deal.

Catch you in the lineup.
Rusty.

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