Strand (Pipe) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s ahead for the next couple of weeks.

We’re starting off a bit slow, but don’t you worry – there’s a big pulse of proper groundswell coming in the middle of the week that’ll get the heart pumping. The first couple of days are a bit of a write-off, but hang tight, it all changes on Tuesday.

Monday 20th July is a dud, to be honest. The wind is a messy cross-shore and the swell is weak and short period. You’re better off doing something else. The wait is worth it.

Tuesday 21st July is where we finally get a spark. The morning is absolute glass – zero wind – and a solid 6 ft swell from the SSW with a 14 second period rolling in. The combined energy is a hefty 1442 (moderate to strong), so you’ll feel the push. The afternoon stays clean with a light cross breeze. This is an intermediate-level wave, but with that size and period, it’ll be a proper standout for those who know what they’re doing. The water is sitting at 60°, which is bang on average for the time of year, nothing unusual.

Strand (Pipe) is the only break on the menu, a beach and reef setup, and it’s exposed to the SW swell. The optimum swell direction is SW, so this is a beautiful match. The crowd factor is “sometimes” busy, so expect a few others out, but it’s not a circus.

Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd drop back a bit – the wind turns onshore and choppy, so the quality fades. The swell hangs around 4 ft to 5 ft, but the cross-onshore breeze ruins it. Thursday afternoon, though, the wind swings light offshore and the wave quality improves.

Now, the real headline: Friday 24th July morning. This is the one. Glassy conditions, 8 ft of SSW groundswell with a 15 second period, and the combined energy is a massive 2834 (very strong). This is expert territory – too big for beginners. The wave will be powerful, clean, and lined up. The period is long, so expect longer lulls between sets, but the waves that come will be worth the wait. The afternoon stays clean with a cross-offshore breeze and 7 ft swell.

Saturday 25th July carries the energy through – 7 ft to 6 ft, clean cross-offshore winds, and excellent conditions. This is a solid weekend for anyone with experience.

Sunday 26th and Monday 27th see the swell drop to 4 ft to 5 ft, and the wind is mostly cross-shore, so it’s more marginal. There’s still enough energy to get a few waves, but it’s not the standout quality.

Tuesday 28th July gets blown out – strong winds from the south at 25 mph, making a mess of the 3 ft to 7 ft swell. The beach and reef setup will be lumpy and choppy, more interesting for kite surfers than paddle surfers.

Wednesday 29th July morning is a surprise – glass again, 6 ft SSW swell, 13 second period, and excellent conditions. A hidden gem in the middle of the week.

Thursday 30th July is small and clean, with 4 ft glassy conditions. Good for a fun, easy session.

Friday 31st July sees a new swell pulse, but it’s from the SSE with a short 9 second period, and the wind is cross-shore to cross-onshore. The 10 ft of swell is massive, but the short period and wind make it ragged and messy. This one is for experts only, and even then, it’s a challenge.

Saturday 1st August has a 6 ft S swell with a long 15 second period, but the wind is cross-shore, so it’s not perfect. Still, there’s energy in the water.

Sunday 2nd August fades fast – 3 ft and onshore, back to the doldrums.

Monday 3rd August is tiny and weak, 2 ft, with clean but light winds – not worth the paddle.

Tuesday 4th August sees a return of 6 ft SSW groundswell with a 16 second period, but the wind is a fresh 19 mph cross-offshore, so it’s clean but windy. The combined energy is 1656 (strong), so there’s plenty of power, but the wind will be a factor.

Best overall: Friday 24th July morning at Strand (Pipe) – glassy, 8 ft, 15 second groundswell, SSW direction matching the optimum, and very strong energy. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. Second best: Tuesday 21st July morning for the glassy start to the week.

No major gaps of dead days, just a slow start and a few choppy afternoons.

Rusty out.

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