Shark Pit Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

We’re looking at a pretty slow start around Shark Pit, a reef break that’s fairly consistent. The water’s sitting at a warm 80°, which is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there. The first few days are going to be a bit of a grind for the paddle-out crew. The swell is tiny, barely pushing 2ft, and while the wind is offshore from the ENE, keeping things clean, the wave energy is weak (113). It’s surfable, but it’s more of a float-around session than anything with real punch. There’s a bit of a gap with no real quality on the menu until the second week.

Moving into the first week of August, the size stays small, around 1ft, with that same clean offshore breeze. The combined energy dips a bit, but by Wednesday the 5th, the period starts to stretch out, hinting at some better groundswell energy building. Still, the scores are low for actual surf quality. Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th see the wind shift to a cross-off, which is fine, but the swell just isn’t there yet.

Now, the real story starts to heat up around the 11th of August. Tuesday the 11th is when things get interesting. The swell bumps up to 2ft from the SSW, with a solid 14-second period. The wind is offshore from the NE, and the wave energy jumps to 286 (moderate). The conditions are described as good, and this is where you want to start paying attention. That long-period groundswell is going to wrap nicely into the reef at Shark Pit, offering up some proper, well-shaped waves. The offshore breeze will keep the faces clean, and the longer gaps between sets make it easier to get into position.

The standout window, though, is the back half of the second week. Thursday the 12th of August is a big one. The swell builds to 3ft from the S, with a 17-second period, and the combined energy explodes to 722 (strong). That’s a serious amount of water moving. The wind is cross-off from the ENE, so the surf will be clean. This is expert territory, but for those with the skills, the reef will be firing with long, powerful lines. Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th hold that energy, with the 14th seeing a peak in conditions—very good surf, with moderate offshore wind and a 3ft S swell. The energy is high (723), and the waves will have plenty of push.

The final days from the 15th onward ease off a little, but still hold at 3ft to 3ft with clean offshore winds, making for a solid end to the run. Crowds are possible at Shark Pit, so keep an eye out for company.

If you’re after the best of the best, the 12th, 13th, and 14th of August are the ones to circle. The combo of strong, long-period swell, consistent offshore wind, and a reef that knows how to handle it makes for a proper surf outlook.

Rusty.

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