Castlepoint - The Gap Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve got the skinny on what’s coming at Castlepoint - The Gap. It’s been a rough start, and honestly, the first few days are a write-off. We’re looking at a big gap before anything vaguely rideable shows up, so don’t bother paddling out until then.

Through Wednesday the 8th, Thursday the 9th, and even Friday the 10th, it’s just nasty. Big, messy, wind-blown junk. The swell is pumping, but the wind is howling out of the south, cross-on, and it’s blowing everything to bits. The water is sitting at 55°F, which is about average for this time of year (normal anomaly), so nothing weird there, but you won’t care when you’re getting hammered by a near gale. The combined energy on Thursday hits a massive 5,524 to 5,801 (strong to very strong), but it’s all for nothing. Not a single wave worth paddling for.

Saturday the 11th is still a bit of a mess, but by the afternoon the wind drops to a gentle breeze, and the swell is waist-high at 6 ft from the ESE. It’s marginal, but you might find a lump. Not a standout.

Here’s the first real reason to get excited: Sunday morning, July 12th. The sky clears, the wind goes dead calm – offshore from the NW at just 3 mph – and the swell is a clean 4 ft from the ESE with a period of 10 seconds (moderate energy, 608). The report says “expect good surf conditions,” and I’m nodding along. It’s small, but glassy and clean. That’s your best option in the early run for a beginner to have a fun, safe session.

Then we hit another dry spell. The 13th, 14th, and 15th are all tiny, under 3 ft, or just poor. Nothing worth changing your plans for.

But hold on. Thursday, July 16th brings a pulse. The swell bumps up to 6 ft from the ESE, and the period stretches out to 14 seconds – that’s a long-period groundswell, meaning more energy and better shape. The combined energy is 1,202 (moderate). The wind is a light cross-on from the ENE, so it’s a little bumpy, but the report calls it “marginal” with a score that suggests it’s the best we’ve seen in a while. For a sheltered spot like The Gap, that long-period swell could wrap in nicely. Not a total standout, but it’s the first real window of decent surf.

Then more mediocrity. The 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th are all cross-on, choppy, and blown out. The swell is there, but the wind is a fresh breeze from the NE, ruining the party. Close to 7 ft on the 18th (7 ft, with 2,006 energy), but it’s a messy, lumpy mess.

Finally, Tuesday morning, July 21st – a little reprieve. The wind goes light, cross-off, from the N at 6 mph, and the swell is a clean 3 ft from the ESE with a 12-second period (moderate energy, 575). The report says “expect good surf conditions.” It’s small, but it’s clean. A good little session for a quiet day.

But the real standout? Wednesday, July 22nd, morning. This is the one. The forecast says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” The swell jumps to 10 ft from the ENE with a 12-second period, and the combined energy is a massive 4,076 (very strong). The wind is a light offshore from the N at 6 mph, making it glassy and clean. That’s a solid, powerful groundswell. For a sheltered spot like The Gap, that’s going to be heavy, clean, and lined up. But at 10 ft, this is only for experienced surfers – beginners stay on the beach. If you’ve got the skills, this is your session. Crowds are “often” an issue at The Gap, so expect company.

The long-range look is promising but less certain – that Wednesday stand-out is a week and a half out, so keep an eye on the forecasts. The wind swings around on the 23rd, bringing a cross-shore mess, but that one morning on the 22nd is the clear winner.

Rusty.

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