Southerndown Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

To be straight with you, the outlook is pretty grim for a long stretch. We’re looking at a solid ten days of barely a ripple, so don't even bother waxing up until we get into the second week. The first real action worth mentioning doesn't show up until Monday the 24th of August, and even then, it’s a mixed bag.

The best bet in the whole forecast is Southerndown on Monday the 24th of August. The afternoon session is the standout. We’ve got a solid 5ft swell coming from the WSW, and the wind is cranking offshore from the NNE at 19 mph. That’s gonna groom it up clean. The combined energy reads a solid 206 (moderate), so there’s a bit of push behind it. That size is right on the edge for a beginner, so the more experienced crew will be in their element. The next morning, Tuesday the 25th, is also a decent shout with 3ft from the WSW, clean cross-off wind from the NNW at 12 mph, and energy at 101 (moderate).

Before that, we’ve got a couple of mornings that are clean but tiny. Sunday the 16th of August morning is glassy—wind from the SSE at 3 mph, but the swell is a pathetic 1ft. The water temperature is a very unusual 69°F, which is over 7° warmer than normal for this time of year, so you might not even need a spring suit, but you’ll be bobbing around with no waves.

From the 11th right through the 23rd, it’s all poor surf conditions. There are a few clean moments, like the 15th and 20th, but the swell is so small (1ft) it’s not worth the drive. The wind stays messy, often cross-on or choppy, especially in the afternoons.

Then, into the last week, we get a bit of a pulse. Wednesday the 26th of August morning brings 5ft WSW swell, but it’s described as "surfable waves but very ordinary conditions." The energy is a solid 194 (moderate), but the period is short at 6 seconds, so it’ll be a bit lumpy and weak. The wind is clean, though, from the ESE at 9 mph. That afternoon, the swell pushes up to 6ft, but it’s cross-on and the waves are just marginal. At that size, it’s getting into expert territory, but the quality is poor.

So, to sum it up: if you’re itching for a paddle, the main event is Monday the 24th of August afternoon at Southerndown. The rest of the window is a write-off or very ordinary. Keep your eyes peeled for the forecast to change, because it’s been a quiet spell.

Rusty.

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