Strand (Pipe) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, let's get into it. This is a bit of a slow burn, but there’s definitely some good stuff brewing if you're willing to wait for it. The first half of the window is a mixed bag—some clean, rideable waves, but nothing that’s going to have you cancelling plans. The real standout, the one that’s worth circling on the calendar, is the last day of the period. Let’s break it down.

We’re looking at Strand (Pipe). This is a beach-and-reef set-up that’s exposed to the swell. Water temps are sitting right around where they should be for this time of year, nothing unusual to report there.

The first real action kicks off on Thursday, August 20th. The morning session is the pick of the early days, with a solid 8ft SSW swell rolling in at a 13 second interval. The combined energy is right up there (1949), and we’ve got a light cross-offshore breeze. The waves are going to have some punch, and the wind is keeping things clean. That’s a good session for experienced surfers.

Friday the 21st is a step down in size, but still worth a paddle. The morning shows a 5ft SSW swell, period dropping to 11 seconds, and the energy is moderate (935). The wind is light and cross-off, so you’ll find clean, well-shaped little runners. The afternoon gets a bit sloppy with a cross-shore wind.

After Friday, we hit a real lull. Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd are pretty much write-offs – the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, and the swell is small and weak. You’ll see a bit of energy come back Monday the 24th, but the waves are small and the wind is moderate. Not really worth the drive.

Now, things start to get interesting again on Tuesday, August 25th. The morning has a 4ft SSW swell, period at 13 seconds, and a clean offshore breeze. The energy is moderate (830), and the conditions are described as “very good.” The afternoon is similar, just a touch smaller. That’s a solid day.

Wednesday the 26th is a nice one if you’re after a glassy session. The morning is clean, but the afternoon goes completely glassy with a 3ft S swell. It’s small, but if you’ve got a longboard or a fish, you’ll be having a ball.

We get another small window of clean offshore wind on Friday, August 28th, with a 4ft SW swell. The energy is moderate (691) and the wind is moderate offshore, so it’s clean but a bit blustery.

The real gem, the one that’s got me excited, is Monday, September 1st. The morning is looking at a 7ft SW swell, with a 13-second period and an incredible 1598 combined energy. The wind is glassy – dead calm. That is a recipe for a proper session. The waves will be solid, powerful, and clean. This is expert-level territory, but for those who are up for it, it’s the best day on offer. The afternoon drops a little but still has some size.

After that, the week turns to junk. Strong winds from the north and poor conditions take over, so it’s a good time to wait for the next swell.

So, to sum it up: the standouts are Thursday morning the 20th and Monday morning September 1st. That Monday is the real prize.

Rusty

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