Shark Island (Cronulla) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the table for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a classic winter run shaping up for the area. The early part of the week sees a solid pulse of swell, but the wind is going to be the main player. We kick off on Thursday, July 9 with a 6ft to 6ft SE swell pushing in, and the combined energy is solid at 735. The water temp is sitting at 63°, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing dramatic there. The wind is cross-off from the S and SSE, keeping things reasonably clean. Shark Island (Cronulla) is the only break on offer, and it's a reef setup that likes the SE swell direction, which is what we're getting. Thursday morning looks like the pick of the early days – decent size, good shape, and you won't be fighting a crowd *too* badly, though it can get busy here sometimes.

Friday morning drops slightly to 6ft with a 513 energy reading, winds light from the SSW, still cross-off. Still good, clean waves on offer. By Saturday the 11th, the swell starts to back off and the wind swings onshore, so things get a bit meh. Sunday the 12th is a write-off with tiny 2ft leftovers and a fresh W wind. You’ll be chasing shadows.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. If you’re an experienced surfer, keep your eyes on the second week. Around Wednesday, July 15, a big winter low cranks up. By Thursday the 16th, we’re looking at a massive 13ft SSE swell with energy readings through the roof at 2403. But – and this is a big but – the wind is howling from the SSE at 28 mph. That’s fresh to strong breeze, and while it’s cross-off, the size and power make this strictly for experts only. This is heavy, raw ocean energy. The period is around 9 seconds, so it’s a storm swell, not a clean groundswell. At those sizes, it’s gonna be a bumpy, powerful beast. The wave comment calls it “poor surf conditions” and I'd agree – unless you've got the skill and the quiver for it, give this one a wide berth. It might actually look more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing if you’re into that sort of thing.

The swell stays solid through the 17th and 18th, still over 8ft, but the wind starts to ease a little. By Saturday the 18th, we’ve got 8ft SE swell with a moderate SSE breeze, making it slightly more manageable, but still a big, powerful ocean. The energy readings are still well over 1000, so respect it.

We finally get a cleaner window on Monday, July 20, when the swell drops to a more manageable 5ft from the ESE. The wind goes light offshore from the SSW. That’s a proper window for a good session. Gentle offshore and clean. The energy has dropped to 373, so it’s not as punchy, but the quality should be there.

After that, the swell fades out through the end of the period, with small waves and onshore winds returning.

The standout if you’re after power and you’ve got the chops for it is the Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th, but be warned – it’s big, windy, and raw. For the average surfer looking for clean, fun waves, Monday the 20th is your best bet. It’s not huge, but the conditions will be right.

Stay safe out there.
- Rusty

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