Strand (Pipe) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. For the next few weeks, the surf here at Strand is a bit of a mixed bag. It has its moments, but also some serious gaps where you really shouldn't bother. Let's break it down.

We start off on Wednesday, July 8th, with some decent energy rolling in. The water temp is sitting at 60°F, which is about average for the time of year, nothing crazy. Wednesday morning looks magic – glassy conditions with a clean 5ft SW swell. The combined energy is moderate at 948, and with zero wind, it'll be smooth and inviting. This is a nice, friendly wave for intermediates. The afternoon sees things pick up to 6ft but the wind swings cross-off from the SSE at 12 mph, which keeps it clean but a bit more challenging.

Thursday July 9th morning brings a bigger 7ft SSW swell with a 14-second period. That's a solid groundswell, and with 1605 combined energy, you can feel the push. Wind is cross-off from the SE at 9 mph, so it’s clean, but at this size, it's really for experienced surfers only. The period means longer sets and better shape. Thursday afternoon drops slightly to 7ft but the wind picks up a touch. Friday July 10th stays around 7ft in the morning, but it’s a bit cloudy with cross-off wind. Still rideable for the experienced crew.

Now, Saturday July 11th, morning is a standout. You’ve got a 6ft S swell, offshore wind from the East at only 6 mph, and clean conditions. The combined energy is 1066, so it has some grunt. This is shaping up to be one of the best sessions of the window – good size, clean, and not too crowded as crowds are only “sometimes” an issue. Sunday July 12th morning is glassy again with a smaller 4ft S swell, perfect for a relaxed session.

Then we hit a dry spell. From Monday July 13th through to Sunday July 19th morning, there are long gaps with nothing worth recommending. Monday and Tuesday are tiny and windy. Wednesday July 15th through Thursday July 16th have a bit of size but the wind is all over the place – cross, cross-on, and strong. It’s messy, lumpy, and just not enjoyable for paddling. From Friday July 17th through Sunday July 19th, there are some signs of life, but it’s mostly marginal with clean but weaker swells (3ft to 6ft). The best of that stretch is Sunday July 19th – glassy conditions all day with a 4ft S to S swell, combined energy around 279-376. It’s small and clean, good for a longboard if you’re keen, but not a standout.

We get another real opportunity on Wednesday July 22nd afternoon. After a morning of cross-shore wind, the wind goes glassy from the SSW at 3 mph. There’s a 5ft SSW swell with 690 combined energy. The wind is light, the swell has an 11-second period, and the water texture looks smooth. That’s a very good window for a solid, clean session.

So, looking across the whole period, the absolute best on offer is Saturday July 11th morning. You’ve got 6ft S swell, offshore breeze, clean conditions, and moderate energy. For the second week, Wednesday July 22nd afternoon is the one to pencil in – glassy, 5ft, and a good chance of clean, lined-up waves. Keep an eye on it, as long-range forecasts can shift.

- Rusty

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