Sponge bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s have a look at what’s cooking for the next couple of weeks. Honestly, the first few days are a bit of a write-off, so don’t bother rushing down for a dawn patrol just yet. The solid energy we see on the charts is mostly accompanied by ugly wind, making it a real struggle to find anything rideable. The initial run of surfable waves doesn’t show up until the middle of the week, so you’re looking at a gap of a couple of days of nothing worthwhile.

The first half-decent chance rolls in on Wednesday 22nd July morning at Sponge Bay. It’s a beach and reef set-up, so you’ll get a bit of variety. The swell is a small 3ft out of the SSE with a period of 13 seconds – that’s a proper groundswell, so it’ll have some push and shape, but it’s nothing huge. The combined wave energy is still weak at 299 (moderate energy). The real kicker here is the wind: a light, clean cross-offshore breeze from the NW. That’ll keep the surface clean. The water temp is sitting at 55°, which is a noticeable 3° colder than average for this time of year, so you’ll be wanting a good 4/3. It’s not a standout, but it’s the first real chance after a poor start. Crowds are possible here sometimes.

The swell builds a touch on Thursday 23rd July, but the morning drops to a tiny 2ft and the energy drops to 108 (weak). Still, with a clean cross-offshore wind, it’s rideable for the very patient. The afternoon stays clean but wave height drops further to 1ft. Not a classic.

Looking at the second week, the real story – and the only true standout of the whole outlook – is Monday 27th July morning. This is a big one. The swell is 15ft out of the S with a 12-second period, and the combined energy is massive at 8357 (strong to very strong wave energy). That’s a serious amount of water moving. However, at this size, it’s only for experts – 15ft is well beyond the beginner and intermediate comfort zone. The wind is a gentle cross-shore from the WSW, keeping it a bit lined up, but the sheer power and size means it’s going to be critical. The long period (12 seconds) and direction from the south means it’ll be a powerful, deep water swell, but at a beach and reef set-up, it might be a bit too much for the sandbanks and will be challenging. The morning window is the only one that looks good; the afternoon gets blown out by a fresh cross-onshore.

Friday 31st July morning is the next decent chance to call out. The swell is 5ft from the SSE with a 17-second period – that’s a very long period groundswell. The energy is strong at 1247 (moderate to strong). The wind is a clean cross-offshore. This is a solid, clean option for intermediates and above, with plenty of power. The very long period means it’ll punch through well, though at a beach break it can sometimes wall up and close out; it’s better suited to the reef section here. The afternoon gets hammered by a near gale, so that morning window is the only one.

Other than that, the rest of the fortnight is a mix of small, weak, and often windy. The 29th of July afternoon has a clean 5ft from the SE with a 13-second period and clean wind, which is a worth a look if you’re desperate and the main day is too big. But the standout is clearly Monday 27th July morning if you’ve got the skills and a big board. Keep an eye on the forecast for that one – it’s a long way out, so it’s promising but not locked in.

Rusty.

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