Strand (Pipe) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get straight into it. Strand (Pipe) is the focus here, and it’s a classic sand-and-reef set-up that can handle a solid SW groundswell. The water temp is sitting at 59°, which is about average for this time of year, so a spring suit or a steamer is the go.

We’ve got a decent run of surf coming in, but the first couple of days are a bit messy. Sunday the 9th has a thumping 12ft SW swell with a 12-second period, but the wind is a cross-off from the SSE at 22 mph, so it’s gonna be a bit of a battle. The energy is absolutely pumping (5105), but it’s more of a power session than a clean one. Monday the 10th drops to 6ft from the S, still cross-off, and the energy drops right off to 744 – nothing to get excited about.

Now, Tuesday the 11th is where it starts to get interesting. Morning has a clean 6ft S swell with a 12-second period, and the wind is offshore from the E at 9 mph. That’s clean, lined-up waves. The energy is moderate (969). Afternoon drops a bit to 4ft from the SSW, but it’s still clean.

But the real standout is Wednesday the 12th. Glassy. Absolutely glassy. Morning wind is from the ENE at 3 mph, and it’s dead calm. The swell is 4ft from the SW with a 18-second period – that’s proper long-period groundswell. At a beach-and-reef set-up like Strand, waves with that period can sometimes be a bit too straight for the beach, but the energy is strong (1194), and the water is clean. This is the best on offer for the first week – a real session for the experienced surfer. Thursday the 13th is nearly as good, with 5ft SW swell, 18-second period, and glassy conditions again in the afternoon. Energy is 1686 (strong). That’s another cracker.

Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th drop right off. Swell drops to under 3ft, and the energy is weak (370 to 323). Not worth paddling out for much. Sunday the 16th is tiny and weak.

Monday the 17th brings a new pulse: 6ft SW swell at 15 seconds, and glassy conditions in the morning. Energy is 1349 (strong). That’s a solid option for the keen crew, but it’s a one-day wonder. The rest of the second week goes quiet, with tiny swell and poor winds. There’s a gap from Tuesday the 18th through to Saturday the 22nd with very little on offer – mostly under 3ft and weak energy.

Then on Sunday the 23rd of August, we get a late pulse: 6ft SSW swell, 16-second period, but the wind is cross from the S at 6 mph, so it’s a bit lumpy. Energy is 1619 (strong) but the wind is a letdown. Monday the 24th is cleaner: 6ft SSW swell, 14-second period, and cross-off wind from the SSE at 9 mph. Energy is 1272 (strong), and the waves are clean. That’s a solid finish to the run, but it’s a long way out – keep an eye on it.

So, the pick of the week is Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th. Glassy, long-period SW groundswell, strong energy, and clean. If you can get out there, do it. The second week is mostly a write-off, but Monday the 24th could be a nice surprise if the wind plays ball.

Rusty.

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