Strand (Pipe) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s shaping up for us at the Strand over the next couple of weeks.

The first few days are a bit of a mixed bag, but we’ve got a real pulse of energy building towards the end of the first week and into the second. The water is sitting at 58°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so don’t forget the booties for the morning sessions.

We kick off on Friday the 17th. The morning is glassy with a clean 4ft SW swell, period at 11 seconds, and only a light breeze. The wave energy is moderate (375). It’s looking good, with clean, lined-up waves. The afternoon goes glassy calm with 4ft SW swell. A solid start.

Saturday the 18th sees the swell drop to 3ft and the wind goes cross-on, so it’s a bit smaller and bumpy. Sunday the 19th is similar, with a bigger dose of cross-shore wind making things messy. These are days to maybe sit out or grab a log if you’re desperate.

Monday the 20th morning is back to glassy conditions with a 4ft SW swell. The energy is moderate (367). It’s clean and fun, a good one to get out for a few before work.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Tuesday the 21st afternoon: the wind goes glassy, and the swell jumps to 6ft from the SSW with a period of 14 seconds. The combined energy is strong (1141). The water is clean, and the waves will have some real push. This is a standout for experienced surfers. The longer period (groundswell) means better shape, especially if you can find a bank that holds.

Wednesday the 22nd gets blown out by a moderate cross-onshore breeze, so conditions are poor. Thursday the 23rd is a day of two halves. The morning is choppy with 7ft SSW swell, but the afternoon is where it’s at. A 10ft SSW swell rolls in with a very long 18-second period, generating very strong energy (6188). The wind is light cross-on, so it’s not perfect, but the size and power are there for experts only. This is a big-set day.

Friday the 24th afternoon is the real standout. The swell is still a solid 10ft from the SSW, period 16 seconds, and the wind goes clean, cross-offshore. The energy is extreme (5155). This is exceptional surf for expert surfers. The sets will be meaty, with long gaps between them, making it easier to get out. This is a session to remember if you’ve got the skills.

Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th keep the size up, with 8ft and 7ft SSW swells, but the wind is fresh offshore on Saturday, keeping it clean. Sunday the 26th is a gem: glassy conditions with an 8ft to 6ft SSW swell, period 17 seconds, and extremely strong energy (4007+). The morning is glassy, the afternoon is glassy. This is classic, heavy, powerful surf, and it’s going to be clean.

The following week, from Monday the 28th onward, the swell drops back to the 3ft to 5ft range, with periods settling around 12 to 14 seconds. The energy is moderate. The wind is mostly light and variable, with some glassy periods. It’s a return to smaller, cleaner conditions, but nothing that will get the heart racing like the previous weekend.

The very end of the outlook, on Saturday August 1st, sees a jump back to 10ft swell, but it’s accompanied by a strong cross-onshore wind, making it a choppy, blown-out mess. Not worth it.

Overall, the best bet is the period from Thursday the 23rd afternoon through to Sunday the 26th. The standout window is Friday the 24th afternoon and Sunday the 26th. That’s where the real power and clean conditions align.

Rusty.

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