Strandhill Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Strandhill over the next couple of weeks. I’ve had a good look through the numbers, and I’ll be honest with you, it’s a bit of a slow burn. The pattern is mostly small, with a lot of days where you’ll be fighting for a wave, but there is a pulse of proper energy later on if you’ve got the patience for it.

The first proper recommendation doesn’t show up until Saturday morning on the 11th of July, but even then it’s a tough one. You’ve got a small 2.6ft swell from the WNW with a mixed-up 9-second period, but the wind is coming from the north, putting it cross-on. The energy’s weak, with a combined swell energy of only 110, and it’s described as poor surf conditions with a light cross-onshore breeze and small wind ripples. Not what we’re after.

Sunday the 12th is even smaller – dropping to 1.3ft in the morning with an offshore wind from the east, which cleans it up nicely but the swell just isn’t there. The energy falls right off to 22. That pattern of clean but tiny surf continues right through the week. Monday morning the 13th, you’ve got 1ft with an east wind, cross-off, and clean as a whistle, but it’s a struggle (14 combined energy). Tuesday the 14th is the same story: 1-1.3ft, light offshore winds, and clean, but you’d be lucky to get a ride (combined energy between 36 and 37). Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th are smaller still, with a combined energy dropping into single digits, although winds stay light and cross-off.

The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so no surprises there. You won’t need a thick suit, but it’s nothing special.

Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th are a write-off – we’re talking 0.7ft of wobbly swell with onshore winds from the northwest at 9-12 mph, making it messy and unridable. The combined energy is barely 6 or 7. This area goes through blanks like this, and it’s just one of those runs.

Now, Sunday the 19th offers a tiny glimmer. The swell is still only 0.7-1ft, but the afternoon goes glassy – a light NNW breeze and glassy conditions. The combined energy is 32, and the period stretches to 12-13 seconds, which is proper long-period groundswell energy. It’s not going to give you a rideable wave on its own, but if you’re a logger or love a tiny glide, it could be a beautiful, surreal session in the late afternoon sun. That’s the standout for the first half of the period, but only if you’re desperate.

The real action, and I mean the *real* action, starts on Monday the 20th of July. The swell jumps to 3.3-3.6ft from the WNW with a short 7-second period, and the combined energy rockets up to 154. The problem is the wind – a moderate cross-onshore from the west at 12-16 mph. It’s going to be a choppy, lumpy mess. Not good for paddling, and the wave shape will be blown out. At 3.6ft, it’s still okay for intermediates, but the quality is poor.

Tuesday the 21st sees the swell building to 4.6-4.9ft from the WNW, with the combined energy hitting 270-301. The wind is cross-shore or cross-on with a bit more strength. This is where it gets interesting, but also tricky. The swell is now 4.9ft – that’s right on the edge for beginners. For a decent intermediate, it’s rideable, but the cross-chop will make it frustrating. It’s not the best option.

Now, Wednesday the 22nd. This is the big one. We’re looking at 4.9-5.2ft of WNW groundswell with a 9-second period. The combined energy is hitting 415, which is strong. It’s a powerful push. But here’s the thing – at 5.2ft, it’s getting into the territory where it’s only good for experts, especially with a west-northwest wind blowing 12-16 mph, making it onshore and choppy. The wave quality is still described as poor. While the energy is huge, the wind is wrecking it. If you’re a strong paddler and you can handle a beatdown, you might find a couple of heavy ones, but the average punter should stay out.

Thursday the 23rd drops back to 3ft from the WNW

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