Castlepoint - The Gap Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. We’ve got a bit of a slow burner unfolding at Castlepoint - The Gap. Don’t get too excited for the first week because it’s mostly small and messy. The real standout is tucked away at the very end of the window, so keep an eye on that.

The swell energy is really weak to start, with readings barely cracking triple digits (86). The water temp is about 55°F which is normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Tuesday 14 July to Wednesday 15 July – Honestly, it’s flat. Swell heights are just 1.0ft to 1ft from the ESE with a period around 10 seconds, and the combined energy is pathetic (41 to 86). Winds are cross-off but the surf is just too small to bother with. Not worth paddling out.

Thursday 16 July – We start to see a little pulse. Thursday morning has 2ft ESE swell at 15 seconds, energy jumping to 211, but it’s still "poor surf conditions." The afternoon improves a bit with 3ft at 16 seconds and offshore WNW winds – that’s a clean look, but still tiny.

Friday 17 July – Now we’re talking. Friday morning brings 4ft ESE groundswell with a 15-second period, energy hitting 1637, and light WSW winds. The water is glassy. This is actually the first decent window. The Gap is sheltered from ESE swell, so it should wrap in nicely. The afternoon goes 10ft from the south with a 13-second period, energy 4077, but the wind swings cross and the conditions get marginal. That morning session is the pick of the first week.

Saturday 18 July – Saturday morning is clean with 5ft ESE swell at 14 seconds, energy 979, but the wind is cross-off from the NW. The afternoon goes even better with 4ft, same direction, light WSW winds and 835 energy. It’s a solid day, but not the standout.

Sunday 19 July – A southerly wind spoils the party. 7ft south swell with 10-second period, energy 1816, but it’s cross-on and lumpy. Not good.

Monday 20 July – Monday morning is a gem. 6ft SSW swell at 15 seconds, energy 1721, and glassy conditions with NE winds at 3 mph. It’s a clean, long-period groundswell. The Gap is sheltered from the SSW, so it might be a bit fat, but it’s worth a look. The afternoon gets choppy.

Tuesday 21 July – Tuesday morning is glassy again, 4ft SSW swell at 14 seconds, energy 840. Clean but small. The afternoon goes cross-on.

Wednesday 22 July – Wednesday morning has 3ft ESE swell, 12-second period, glassy winds. Energy 459. It’s clean but small.

Thursday 23 July to Saturday 26 July – A long stretch of poor surf. Swell stays under 3ft, winds are cross-on from the ENE or NE, and the combined energy stays below 400. Not worth a paddle.

Sunday 26 July – Still messy, 3ft to 4ft NE swell, cross-on winds, energy around 546–692. Not good.

Monday 27 July – THE STANDOUT. This is the one. Monday morning has 10ft E swell, 12-second period, energy 2664, and glassy winds. The afternoon is also glassy with 10ft E swell, 12-second period, energy 2674. Excellent surf for experienced surfers. The Gap is sheltered from the ESE, so an E swell will wrap in nicely. The 12-second period is decent groundswell, and those glassy conditions will make it absolutely clean. Crowds are likely at Castlepoint, but for this kind of swell, it’s worth the company. Just be aware: 10ft is big, so this is for experienced surfers only.

Tuesday 28 July – 8ft E swell, 11-second period, energy 1783, cross-off winds. Marginal conditions, but still big.

Wednesday 29 July – Wednesday morning has 7ft ESE swell, 10-second period, energy 1048, with offshore NW winds. Clean and solid. A good follow-up to Monday’s big day.

So, bottom line: the first week is mostly a write-off except for Friday morning 17 July. The real gold is Monday 27 July with that 10ft E swell and glassy conditions. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. The Gap delivers when it’s on.

Rusty.

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