Shipstern Bluff Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ down at Shipstern Bluff.

We’re looking at a wild 16-day window, and it’s a proper mixed bag. The first few days are a write-off thanks to messy conditions, but there are some absolute gems hiding further out. This is a heavy, exposed reef that only the advanced crew should even think about, and when it’s on, it’s world-class.

The opening salvos are a tough watch. Tuesday the 28th and Wednesday the 29th of July have some solid swell, but the winds are all over the shop. That Wednesday afternoon sees a 15ft SW swell with a 10-second period, but it's getting hammered by a near-gale cross-onshore wind. That’s not surfable, that’s a survival mission. The combined energy is a massive 3776 – all that power, but no shape to it. Thursday and Friday are similar stories with lumpy, blown-out conditions from the WSW.

But then, Friday the 31st of July afternoon, the stars align. We’ve got a 6ft SW swell with a lovely 12-second period, and the wind drops to nothing. Glassy. The energy is a solid 1530, and it’s clean. For experienced surfers, this is the real deal. That’s your first proper window.

Then Saturday the 1st of August morning is also a beauty. A 6ft SSW groundswell with a 16-second period, and a gentle offshore from the N. The water temp is about average for the time of year, no major anomalies to report. The afternoon steps it up a notch: 7ft, 18-second period from the SSW, and a light cross-offshore wind. The combined energy jumps to 3381. That’s a standout session if I’ve ever seen one. The swell is getting big, over 8ft, so this is for experts only. Point breaks and reefs like this one love that long period.

Sunday the 2nd and Monday the 3rd are a bit of a letdown after that – the wind swings around and chops it up, though Monday afternoon goes glassy again with a 6ft SW swell. A bit smaller, but still clean.

The next big highlight is Wednesday the 5th of August. A 5ft SSW swell with a 17-second period, and a moderate offshore. That’s clean, powerful, and lined up. The energy is 1452. That’s a solid morning.

The weekend of the 8th and 9th looks promising, then gets blown out. Saturday the 8th morning has a 5ft SSW swell with a 17-second period and a clean offshore, but the afternoon gets a fresh offshore wind which can still be okay. The 9th is a washout.

Now, for the long-range promise. Monday the 10th of August is another standout. A 6ft SSW swell, 17-second period, with a moderate offshore. The energy is 2065. That’s a proper, powerful groundswell with clean conditions. It’s a week and a half out, so keep an eye on it, but it looks like a beauty.

The final day, Wednesday the 12th of August, is a big red flag. A 12ft SW swell with a 16-second period, but the wind is a screaming onshore from the S at 22 mph. The energy is a staggering 6203 – that’s nuts. It’s just a mess of white water. Not for surfing.

So, the best of the best? Saturday the 1st of August afternoon is the clear winner. That 7ft, 18-second SSW swell with the clean cross-offshore is as good as it gets. The Monday the 10th of August morning is a close second, but it’s further out. If you’re an expert, lock in that first Saturday.

Rusty.

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