Castlepoint - The Gap Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk about Castlepoint - The Gap for the next couple of weeks. The water is sitting at 53°F, which is about 1°F cooler than usual for this time of year, so nothing too crazy, just a bit chilly.

The forecast starts off pretty average. Wednesday afternoon the 26th has some small rideable waves with a 3ft swell from the SSW, but the 12 mph offshore NW wind is the only thing keeping it clean. The energy is weak at 393, so it’s really just a paddle for the sake of it. Then we hit a lull. Thursday the 27th through to Sunday the 30th is a write-off – the swell gets messy, drops away, or the wind turns onshore or cross-shore with a chop. Saturday morning the 30th sees a tiny 2ft SSW swell with a gentle offshore, but it’s just not doing anything.

Now, hold onto your board because Monday the 31st of August is the real standout. That morning, we get a solid 12ft S swell, with a 13-second period and a stacked energy reading of 4432. The wind is a gentle offshore from the WSW, keeping it clean. This is proper groundswell with heaps of punch, but it’s big – definitely only for experienced surfers. The afternoon stays clean with a 10ft S swell and a light offshore WNW breeze. This is the best on offer, no question.

Tuesday the 1st of September keeps the momentum going with a solid 7ft to 7ft S swell, still clean under a moderate offshore NW to WNW wind, and energy sitting around 1088 to 1299. Very good surf, but still on the bigger side – intermediate to advanced territory.

Wednesday the 2nd of September is a write-off. The swell is still there but the wind is a near-gale from the NW at 34 mph. It’s offshore and clean but you won’t be able to paddle into anything. Thursday the 3rd of September picks up again. The afternoon is another cracker: a 6ft SSW swell with a 20-second period, giving some serious energy at 2440. The wind is a moderate offshore WNW at 12 mph, keeping it clean. This is for experienced surfers again, given the size and power.

After that, it’s a slow fade. From Friday the 4th of September through to the end of the forecast, the swell drops back under 5ft, the wind is mostly offshore or cross-offshore, but the energy is weak and the surf is just ordinary. There’s a small window on Monday the 7th of September morning with a 4ft ENE swell, but the period is short at 8 seconds and the wind is blowing 22 mph, so it’s messy and hard work. The rest of the second week is tiny, under 3ft, and not worth getting excited about.

So, the big call is Monday the 31st of August and Thursday the 3rd of September afternoons – those are the ones to circle. The Gap is sheltered and gets the S/SSW swell well, but when it’s over 8ft, it’s only for the crew who know what they’re doing. The crowds are often there, so expect company for the good sessions.

Rusty.

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