Shark Island (Cronulla) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s size up what’s coming for Shark Island (Cronulla) over the next couple of weeks.

Alright, straight up, it’s a slow start. The first few days are gonna be a grind if you’re hoping for anything decent. The water temp is sitting around 63°F, which is pretty average for this time of year, nothing unusual.

We kick off on Monday the 6th with a bit of a bummer. There’s a solid 10ft SSE swell rolling in, with a period around 10 seconds and the combined swell energy is pumping at 1521, so there’s plenty of power. But the wind is a fresh 30 km/h southerly, cross-off, and the call is marginal surf. It’s clean enough, but the conditions are just not cooperating – it’s one for the experts only with that size.

Tuesday the 7th is more of the same, actually picking up a bit. We’re looking at 10ft to 12ft SSE/SE swell, periods of 10 to 11 seconds, and that energy jumps right up to 2574. Again, the wind is strong from the south, cross-off, and it’s labelled as marginal. It’s a big, powerful ocean out there, but the quality just isn’t there for a proper session.

Wednesday the 8th sees the swell backing off a touch to 8ft and then 8ft, but the wind is still a solid 25-30 km/h from the south. It’s clean, but still only looking marginal. It’s a tough start to the week.

Now, Thursday the 9th offers a little ray of hope. The swell drops to 6ft from the SE, period around 9-10 seconds, and the energy is down to a moderate 750. The wind eases to a 15-20 km/h southerly, and by the afternoon it’s a gentle breeze. The forecast actually says “expect good surf conditions” for the afternoon session. It’s still a cross-off wind, but the drop in size and wind makes it a bit more doable for the experienced crew.

Friday the 10th morning is where it starts to look better for a decent paddle. The swell is 5ft from the SE, period 9 seconds, energy at 456. The wind goes light offshore from the SSW at 10 km/h. That’s what we want to hear – clean, offshore lines. It’s still a fair size, but with that light wind, it’ll be the best we’ve seen so far. The afternoon is a let-down though, with a light cross-shore and only marginal conditions.

From Saturday the 11th through to Thursday the 16th, it goes pretty quiet. We’re looking at small, weak swell – mostly under 3ft, with energy dropping to triple and even double digits. Conditions are mostly poor, with some clean but tiny waves. There’s a few moments of offshore wind, but the swell just isn’t there. This is a real lull in the action.

But hold up, because the end of the forecast period is where the real standout is. Friday the 17th. This is the one to mark on the calendar. We get a solid 7ft south swell, period of 11 seconds (that’s a nice groundswell), and the energy jumps back up to 1390. The morning wind is a light 10 km/h from the west, cross-off, and it’s clean. The forecast says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers” – and with that size, it’s definitely not for the beginners. It’s gonna be a powerful, clean day at Shark Island, with that SE optimum direction matching up nicely. The light cross-off wind will keep the face clean, and that longer period will bring in some proper lines for the reef. This is your pick of the whole outlook.

Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th drop off again, with smaller, onshore or cross-shore winds spoiling the quality.

Then, look out for another big pulse on Monday the 21st. Tuesday the 21st morning brings a 10ft south swell, period 10 seconds, and energy again over 1800. With a light 10 km/h west wind, it’s clean and it’s another call for “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That’s a monster day, but only for those with plenty of experience and a big quiver. The afternoon stays big but the wind picks up to 25 km/h, making it more marginal.

So to sum it up: the first week is a write-off for quality fun, apart from a possible window on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. The real highlight is Friday the 17th, with a solid, clean south groundswell. The second week’s other standout is Tuesday the 21st, but that’s a long way out and conditions can change. For now, keep your eye on the 17th.

Rusty.

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