Snapper Rocks Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’m gonna be straight with you – the next 16 days at Snapper Rocks are a bit of a rollercoaster, and most of it is not for the faint-hearted. The water temp is sitting at 70°, which is basically bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The real story starts Thursday the 16th of July. We’ve got a solid pulse of SSE swell building fast, with the combined energy hitting a massive 1400 (moderate wave energy) in the morning. By Thursday afternoon, that energy jumps to 1625 (moderate wave energy) and the swell is pushing 12 ft from the SSE. That’s big, heavy stuff, and with a short period of 8 seconds, it’s going to be a lumpy, powerful mess. The wind is a cross-off S at 20 mph, so it’ll be clean, but this is expert-only territory. Honestly, for a point break like this, the short period and size will make it a grunt.

Friday the 17th of July drops slightly to 8 ft from the SSE, but the wind swings offshore (SSE at 19 mph) – that’s a big positive for clean waves. The energy is still high at 737 (moderate wave energy) and the period is 8 seconds, so it’s still a bit of a wash, but the offshore wind will make it look a lot better. Saturday the 18th of July is the real standout for the brave. We’re talking 13 ft to 16 ft from the SSE and SE, with the combined energy skyrocketing to 2632 in the morning and 4439 in the afternoon (strong to very strong wave energy). That’s a beast. The wind is cross-off at 25 mph, so it’s clean, but this is 100% for advanced surfers only. The period is 9-10 seconds, so it’s not a classic groundswell, but there’s so much power it’ll still throw some heavy walls. If you’re a grom or a beginner, stay on the beach.

Sunday the 19th of July is still huge – 13 ft to 15 ft from the SE, with energy at 3230 and 4052. The wind goes offshore at 25 mph, which sounds clean, but the forecast calls it “strong offshore and clean but hard to paddle into.” That’s a real caveat – the wind is so strong it’ll be a battle just to get out back. The period is 10 seconds, so the sets will have some proper push, but it’s a big day for the experienced crew only.

Monday the 20th of July drops a bit to 12 ft from the SE, with offshore wind at 19 mph. The energy is still very strong at 3129 and 2554. The period hits 11 seconds, which is a proper groundswell, and that’s a game-changer for a point like Snapper – longer, more powerful waves with better shape. Tuesday the 21st of July is the best day on offer. The swell drops to 8 ft from the ESE, with offshore wind at 13 mph (moderate breeze). The energy is 1380 (moderate wave energy) and the period is 10 seconds. The forecast says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers” – and it’s true. The crowds are “always” here, so you’ll be sharing the peak, but the waves will be clean, well-shaped, and punchy. That afternoon drops to 8 ft with the same direction and even better energy (1558). This is the sweet spot.

After that, the swell fades fast. Wednesday the 22nd of July to Saturday the 25th of July sees the size drop to 3 ft to 6 ft from the E and ENE, with light winds. The energy is low (170 to 558), and the forecast calls it “poor surf conditions” by the 25th. There’s a gap of poor surf from the 25th to the 27th of July, with energy dropping as low as 144 (weak wave energy). Then on Monday the 27th of July, we get a small bump to 4 ft from the S, but it’s still marginal. The 28th of July has a bit more hope: 4 ft to 5 ft from the S and SSE, with a period of 12 seconds (very long groundswell) and offshore wind. The energy is 608 and 647 (moderate wave energy) – small but clean for a longboard.

The real standout is Tuesday the 21st of July. It’s the only day in the whole 16-day window that gets a “4” score, with clean offshore wind, 8 ft ESE swell at 10 seconds, and expert-friendly conditions. That’s your day. The rest is either huge, windy, or tiny.

Rusty.

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