Steps Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it.

The next 16 days are a real mixed bag. We’ve got a big pulse of energy coming through, but it’s going to be too much of a good thing for a while, and then it just kind of fades out. It’s not going to be an epic stretch, but there’s a small window where things line up if you’re willing to handle some size.

The standout period is the early part of the run. Saturday the 8th, we’ve got a serious SSW swell pushing through. The combined energy is a massive 8208, which is strong to very strong. The wave height is 20ft with a 11-second period. That’s a lot of water moving. The wind is a cross-off from the S at 47 mph, which is a severe gale. It’s going to be wild out there, a real washing machine. This is definitely not for beginners. The same day afternoon, it’s still pumping, with 23ft swell and energy at 13296, even bigger. The wind is still a gale, but at least it’s cross-off. This is expert-only territory, and even then, it’s going to be a battle.

Sunday the 9th is still big, with 16ft and 13ft swells, but the wind drops to a strong breeze. The notes say the swell is predicted to be too big for this break. It’s still going to be a beast. Monday the 10th settles down a bit to 10ft and 8ft, but the waves are still going to be powerful. The energy is at 2691, which is still strong. The wind eases to a fresh breeze, and conditions are clean. This is likely the best of the big stuff for the more experienced crew. The water temp is 86°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year.

But here’s the thing about that big swell – it’s a long-period groundswell, which can be a bit straight at a beach break. Steps is an exposed break, so it’ll take the full force, but it might not be the most organized. If you’re heading out there, be prepared for some serious grunt.

From Tuesday the 11th onwards, it starts to drop. The swell comes down to 7ft, then 6ft, and the energy drops back into the moderate range. The waves are still surfable, but the notes say it’s “marginal” or “questionable tide conditions.” Not really worth the paddle.

Then we hit a real flat spell. From Wednesday the 12th all the way through to Sunday the 23rd, it’s mostly poor. The swell drops to under 3ft, and the energy is weak, often below 100. There’s a bit of a bump on the 15th and 16th with some small, clean waves, but they’re very ordinary. The wind is occasionally offshore, which is nice, but there’s just no power behind it. It’s a long stretch of nothing, really. You’d be better off surfing a different spot or just waiting for the next swell.

The energy comes back a little on the 23rd of August, with a 2ft and 2ft SSW swell and a longer period, but it’s still tiny. It’s not going to be worth the trip.

So, the bottom line is this: the only real window is the Saturday to Monday window, and it's for experts only. The best bet is probably Sunday morning, when the wind and tide are favorable, even if the swell is too big. If you’re not an expert, sit this one out. The forecast can change, but right now, it’s a short, heavy burst and then a lot of nothing.

Rusty.

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