Smugglers Cove Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at Smugglers Cove. I’m not gonna lie to you, the next couple of weeks are looking pretty average. There’s surf on offer, but you’ll be working for it, and the conditions are gonna be a bit all over the place.

We’ve got a bit of a wait for the first decent window. Saturday the 18th kicks off with a 2ft groundswell from the WNW, but that 16-second period is a long one. The problem is it’s coming straight in with a cross-shore wind, so it’s going to be lumpy. The combined energy is moderate at 549 (moderate wave energy), but the quality just isn’t there for a paddle. The morning is the marginally better of the two sessions, but it’s still a 1/10 kind of day.

Sunday the 19th is a write-off. That swell bumps up to 4ft to 5ft, but the period drops to 8 seconds, and the wind is howling cross-shore again. Just leave it.

Monday the 20th is where things get a little more interesting. A new 5ft NW swell rolls in, and while the wind is a light cross-onshore, it’s slight enough that the morning could clean up. It’s a beach setup, so that long period groundswell might break a bit straight, but it’s worth a look. The combined energy is moderate at 482 (moderate wave energy). Still a marginal call, but it’s the best we’ve seen so far. The afternoon has a bit less wind, but the swell is the same.

Tuesday the 21st is a drop-off. The swell goes back to 2ft in the morning, then a 4ft NW go again in the afternoon, but the wind is all over the shop. Not worth the drive.

The pattern stays pretty messy through the rest of the week. Wednesday and Thursday have some 4ft to 5ft NW swell, but the wind is either cross-on or onshore. It’s not looking good for a clean wave. The best of the bunch might be Thursday afternoon the 23rd, but only just.

Now, looking ahead to the 25th of July, we’ve got a fun little pulse. Saturday morning shows a 2ft SW groundswell with a very long 23-second period, combined energy at 481 (moderate wave energy). The wind is light cross-onshore, so it could be glassy. This is a standout for the more patient surfer, as it’s a small wave, but that long period will produce some nice lines. The afternoon has a 2ft SW swell with a 21-second period and a cross-shore wind, giving a combined energy of 720 (moderate wave energy). That’s a solid amount of energy for a small wave. It’s a bit of a gamble, but the potential is there.

The rest of the second week is a tale of two swells. We’ve got a consistent SW groundswell running from the 26th to the 29th, with periods between 17 and 20 seconds, but the swell height is only 2ft to 4ft. The problem is the wind. It’s a nearly constant NNW cross-shore, moderate to fresh breeze, which will put a nasty chop on the surface. The combined energy is moderate, but the quality is poor. The 27th afternoon has a 4ft NW swell with a 10-second period and a combined energy of 843 (strong wave energy), but again, the wind is not your friend.

Then we roll into the 30th and 31st of July. The 30th afternoon has a 5ft NW swell, period 8 seconds, combined energy 532 (moderate wave energy), and a cross-shore wind. It’s a chunk of water, but it’s going to be a messy, short-period mess. The 31st is a step down.

The first of August is a real low point. 1ft to 3ft of short-period slop. The combined energy drops to 156 (weak wave energy). It’s a proper flat spell. The 2nd of August has a 3ft WNW swell, 9-second period, combined energy 300 (moderate wave energy), but the wind is still cross-shore. It’s a poor finish.

The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

Honestly, if you’re desperate for a paddle, the 20th of July morning is the most reliable call. The 25th of July has a higher quality potential, but it’s a gamble. For the rest of it, you’re better off waiting for the forecast to change.

Rusty.

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