Shelley Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down this stretch. We’ve got a slow start, but there’s some real power coming if you can wait.

The first few days are a total loss. Sunday the 6th is a mess with cross and cross-onshore winds, choppy surf, and the energy is weak. Monday the 7th morning is the first real look. The wind goes glassy at Shelley Beach, with a clean 5ft SSE swell at 8 seconds. It’s not big, but that light NNW breeze will make it a dream to paddle out. The energy is moderate. This is a nice little window for a longboard or fun shape, but it’s not the big one.

Tuesday the 8th gets bigger but the wind swings cross-on, turning 8ft of S swell into a choppy mess. No good. Wednesday the 9th is even worse with strong cross-onshore winds. Thursday the 10th morning is a monster – 10ft S swell at 10 seconds, with massive energy. That’s a lot of water, but it’s too big for this exposed beach. The wind is cross-shore, so it’s a chaotic, washing-machine situation. Experts only if they’re keen.

After that, we get a lull. Friday the 11th through to Tuesday the 15th are all mediocre. The swell drops and the wind keeps it lumpy or onshore. There’s a clean moment on Sunday the 13th morning with a 4ft SSE swell and a cross-off breeze, but it’s small and inconsistent. Not worth the trip.

Now, here’s the good stuff. Wednesday the 16th morning is a real gem. The wind is light and cross-off from the west, the swell is 4ft from the south at a lovely 12 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. The energy is solid, and it’s clean. This is a fun, quality day at Shelley Beach. The water is sitting at 65°F, which is about average for this time of year.

But the real standout is Friday the 18th. Holy moly. The morning shows a 16ft S swell at 12 seconds, with extreme energy. The wind is light and cross-off from the north, keeping it clean. The afternoon is similar, 16ft at 13 seconds, even more energy. This is serious, heavy groundswell. It’s too big for beginners and most intermediates – this is expert territory. The long period means it’ll be powerful and might close out the beach, but for the chargers, this is the one. Crowds are possible, so expect a few other locals.

Saturday the 19th morning is another cracker. The swell drops to 8ft from the SSE at 12 seconds, but the wind is glassy – dead calm from the ENE. That’s as good as it gets. The energy is still strong, and it’s clean. This is a much more manageable size for a strong intermediate, and it’ll be beautiful. The same goes for Sunday the 20th morning: 6ft SSE at 13 seconds, with a light cross-off breeze. It’s clean, long-period, and the energy is high. A fantastic way to end the run.

So, to sum it up: the first week is mostly a washout with a couple of clean but small windows. The second week has two absolute standouts – Friday the 18th for the big-wave crew, and Saturday the 19th morning for the glassy, solid conditions. If you can only get out once, make it the 19th.

Stay safe, and don’t be a hero on the 18th if you’re not ready.

Rusty.

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