Strand (Pipe) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's coming our way at Strand (Pipe). It's a beach and reef setup, fairly consistent, exposed to the swell, and it needs a south-west direction to really fire.

At first glance, it's a bit of a rough start. We've got a lumpy, cross-onshore wind and weak, choppy surf for the first few days. For the first half of this week, it's pretty messy. You can practically forget about pulling into anything good before the weekend is through.

Things start to turn the corner on the morning of Monday, July 6th. We are looking at a light cross-shore wind with some small wind ripples. The swell is still average at around 4 to 4ft from the SSW, with a moderate combined wave energy of 400 to 409. The water temperature is sitting at 59°, which is about normal for the time of year. It's marginal, but there's a glimmer. By Tuesday morning, July 7th, it gets really interesting. The wind swings to a cross-offshore from the SSE at only 3 mph, making for clean conditions.

Now, the real standout for the experienced crew is Thursday, July 9th. The morning of July 9th is where it all comes together. We've got a solid 10ft swell from the south at 14 seconds, and a clean offshore wind from the ESE at 12 mph. The combined swell energy is a powerhouse 3298 (strong to very strong). That's proper, solid groundswell. This is expert territory, no doubt, with a long period swell that will favour the reef lines, carving out some serious barrels. The afternoon is just as good with 8ft from the south, same wind.

Following that, Friday July 10th afternoon is also a beauty. Swell drops a touch to 6ft but the wind goes glassy from the east at only 3 mph. It's clean, perfect conditions with excellent shape. Combine that with a moderate energy of 1223.

You’ve got a few more promising windows, like Saturday July 11th morning with a solid 5ft and gentle offshore wind, and Sunday July 12th looking glassy with the same. The second week starts to look less certain and a bit choppy again from the 15th with strong cross-onshore winds and messy surf.

If you are a beginner, stick to the smaller days around the 11th and 12th when the swell is around 4-5ft. Over 8ft on the 9th and 16th is strictly for experts only. Crowds are a possibility at Strand, so expect company on the really good days.

Stay sharp.

Rusty.

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