Strand (Pipe) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at the window coming up for us. Things are a bit quiet to start, but there’s some proper grunt building for the second half of the run. Don’t get too excited about the first few days though—it’s a slow burn.

Overall Pattern: We’re looking at a long 16-day outlook for Strand (Pipe). The first week is mostly a write-off with small, messy, or crossed-up conditions. It’s not until Tuesday the 18th that we start seeing something worth paddling out for, and the real standout action rolls around Monday the 24th. There’s an initial gap of a couple of days with no real recommendation, so don’t rush.

Right out of the gate, Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th are poor to marginal. Small swell around 3ft to 5ft, mostly cross-on or cross winds, and the combined energy is weak to moderate. The water temperature is sitting at 57°F, which is *a bit colder than normal* for this time of year—so factor in the extra rubber if you’re heading out.

The first hint of something better comes Tuesday morning, 18th August. That SW swell pushes up to 6ft with a 13-second period, and the wind swings SSE, giving us clean, cross-off conditions. The combined energy is solid moderate to strong. This is where experienced surfers should start paying attention. Tuesday afternoon holds at 6ft, still clean, still solid. That’s a good day for the crew who know what they’re doing.

Wednesday and Thursday (19th-20th) keep it going. Thursday morning especially stands out: 7ft of SSW swell, 13-second period, and that same clean cross-off flow from the SSE. Energy is strong. This is a proper session for intermediates and above.

Then we hit a bit of a lull Friday 21st through Saturday 22nd—swell drops to 4ft-5ft, winds go cross-on or onshore, and energy fades. Sunday 23rd sees a small rebound, but it’s not until Monday 24th August that we get the true standout of the whole run.

Monday morning 24th August is the one to circle. Glassy conditions—wind is dead calm from the S—and the swell is a solid 7ft from the SSW with a long 14-second period. Combined energy is strong. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. Perfectly clean, good power, and that period suggests proper lines. Expect a crowd though—this break can get busy when it’s good, and this is about as good as it gets in this window.

Tuesday 25th is also a gift. Morning has smaller 3ft swell but that period is an extreme 23 seconds—very long-period groundswell. That’s going to produce super clean, lined-up sets at Strand, but it might break a bit straight for a beach break. Still, with light offshore SE breeze and clean conditions, it’s worth a look.

Tuesday afternoon 25th August is the biggest energy spike of the whole forecast: 7ft from the SSW, 20-second period, and combined energy is very strong. That’s a serious push. With light offshore winds and clean conditions, this is an expert session only. 7ft is pushing into big territory for most.

Wednesday 26th morning keeps the party going: 6ft, 15-second period, glassy from the NW. Another top-tier window for those who can handle it.

The final few days (27th-31st) are more of a mixed bag. Some decent size (7ft-8ft) but winds get tricky—cross-on, onshore, or strong. The 30th August brings a 10ft SSW swell but with strong onshore wind and rain, it’s a mess. That’s one for the windsurfers and kites.

The Verdict: Your two standout windows are Monday 24th August (morning) —glassy, 7ft, clean, powerful—and Tuesday 25th August (afternoon) —huge energy, long period, offshore wind, expert-only. Thursday 20th morning is a solid backup.

Crowds are *sometimes* an issue at Strand, and when it’s this good, you can bet the car park will fill up. But that’s the price of a proper wave.

Stay stoked, get your session in on the 24th.
Rusty

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