Strand (Pipe) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s have a proper look at what’s coming up for Strand (Pipe). It’s a beach and reef set-up, exposed to the south-west, and it handles a clean swell pretty well. Mostly one for the intermediate crowd, but when it gets big, it’s expert-only.

The first real action kicks off on the morning of Wednesday, the 8th of July. Glassy conditions, wind from the west-northwest barely 3 mph. Swell is 5 feet from the south-west with a 13-second period – some proper groundswell energy behind it (combined swell energy of 948). That morning session is a beauty.

From Wednesday afternoon through Friday the 10th, the wind turns cross-off from the SSE and ESE, gusting 12 to 15 mph. The swell stays between 6 and 7 feet, mainly south-southwest, with periods around 13-14 seconds. But the wind spoils the surface – it’s likely bumpy. Might still be worth it if you’re keen, but not the cleanest.

Saturday the 11th of July cleans up. Offshore wind from the east-southeast at 12 mph, 5 feet of south-southwest swell with a 12-second period (energy 793). The wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions.” That’s a solid session. Sunday morning the 12th is also tidy: 4 feet from the south, 11-second period, light east wind 6 mph offshore. Clean and fun.

Monday to Tuesday the 13th and 14th get tiny – under 3 feet, with energy dropping below 200. Glassy conditions Tuesday, but it’s knee-high. Not worth the paddle unless you’re floating.

Wednesday the 15th is a washout – onshore wind, rain, messy 1 to 2 foot swell.

Then things get interesting again. Thursday the 16th of July: a big pulse of 10 feet from the south-southwest hits by the afternoon, 14-second period, combined energy of 3501. That’s powerful. Wind is cross-shore from the south at 9 mph, so it’s not perfect, but for experienced surfers that’s a heavy day. Over 8 feet, it’s expert-only.

Friday the 17th stays big: 8 to 8 feet from the south, 12-second period, but the wind picks up from the east-southeast at 15 to 18 mph. It’s cross-off, so the face stays clean, but it’s windy. Crowds are listed as “sometimes” – likely a few out, not chaotic.

Saturday the 18th of July is a treat. Morning offshore from the east at 15 mph with 5 feet of south swell (11 seconds, energy 747). Afternoon offshore east wind 12 mph, 5 feet south swell, 11 seconds, energy 684. Clean, punchy weekend waves.

Sunday the 19th of July is the absolute standout. Glassy conditions all day – morning calm, afternoon a slight west-northwest breeze 3 mph. Swell at 5 to 6 feet from the south-southwest, with a long 16-17 second period (energy 1432 to 1587). That’s premium groundswell. The wave comment says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” At this size with that period, it’ll be powerful, clean, and lined up on the reef. Best day of the whole 16-day outlook. Water temp’s about normal for the time of year.

After Sunday, the 20th to 21st go sloppy with onshore cross-shore winds and dropping swell. Not recommended.

Wednesday the 22nd of July shows another big pulse: 6 to 8 feet from the south-west with a very long 17-18 second period and energy over 3100. Wind is cross-onshore or onshore, so it’ll be lumpy, but for experts that long-period groundswell on the reef could be a heavy, grinding session.

Thursday the 23rd of July wraps it up cleanly: 6 feet from the south-west, 14-second period, light SSE cross-off wind, and “excellent surf conditions” flagged. Another top morning.

So, the big standout is without doubt Sunday the 19th – glassy, powerful, and clean. Saturday the 18th and Thursday the 23rd are also crackers for a slightly smaller, cleaner session. There’s a gap of poor surf from the 13th to the 15th, but the second week delivers some serious power.

Stay safe out there, and don’t sleep on that Sunday.

Rusty.

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