Shark Island (Cronulla) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Shark Island (Cronulla). It’s a reef setup, advanced only, so this isn’t a place for learners.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but there’s a solid pulse of swell building later. Wednesday the 8th is pretty average, with 8 ft SE swell and a 10-second period, but that cross-off wind from the SSW at 16 mph is keeping things clean enough. The water’s sitting at 63°F which is about normal for this time of year. The combined energy is strong at 1669, but the score doesn’t scream at me – it’s more of a warm-up.

Thursday the 9th cleans up nicely. The swell eases to 6 ft from the SE, still a 10-second period, and the wind drops to 9 mph from the S, cross-off again. It’s clean, with 829 energy. That morning session is the pick of the first few days.

Friday the 10th drops further to 5 ft SE swell, period down to 9 seconds, but the wind stays light cross-off from the SSW. Still clean but the energy’s dropping to 453. That afternoon turns cross-shore, not ideal.

Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th are pretty grim – swell drops under 3 ft, energy falls into the weak range, and the wind gets messy. A gap of a few days with nothing worth paddling for.

Monday 13th through to Wednesday 15th is flat. Swell below 1 ft, energy in the double digits, total write-off. That’s a long, quiet stretch.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Thursday the 16th – a serious jump. Morning sees an 8 ft S swell, 13-second period, and offshore wind from the WSW at 12 mph. Energy is a massive 2253. This is proper groundswell, and with offshore winds, it’s going to be clean. This is big for Shark Island – over 8 ft, so experts only. That long-period swell will really line up on this reef.

Friday the 17th holds strong: 10 ft S swell, 12-second period, and gentle offshore from the SW at 9 mph. Energy is 2910. Another day for advanced surfers. The morning is the pick.

Saturday the 18th sees the swell drop to 6 ft from the S, 11 seconds, with almost no wind – just 3 mph from the W. That’s glassy clean. Energy is 723. Good conditions, but the swell is fading.

After that, Sunday the 19th onwards drops off quickly. A small bump of 7 ft on Monday the 20th but with a short 8-second period and cross-shore wind. Not the same quality. By Tuesday the 21st it’s back to weak energy and poor conditions.

The standout here is Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th – big S groundswell, offshore or clean winds, and that reef will handle the long period beautifully. If you’re an expert, those mornings are the ones to circle. Crowds can show up sometimes, but with that size, only the hardcore will be out.

Rusty.

Read more