Castlepoint - The Gap Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s talk about what’s coming up at Castlepoint – The Gap. Right now, we’re looking at a patchy run ahead. Water temp is sitting near 53°F, about 1°F cooler than average for this time of year – nothing wild, just a bit crisp, so you’ll want a good wetsuit.

We’ve got a quiet spell to start. The first real chance at a wave won’t hit until Wednesday the 19th – and it’s a heavy one. That morning, we’re looking at a solid 15 ft south swell with a 12-second period, and the combined energy is a massive 9896 – that’s seriously powerful. Problem is, that’s way too big for this sheltered spot, really only for the brave. Wind’s cross from the south at 19 mph, so it’s lumpy. Not a day for the average surfer.

Things settle on Thursday the 20th morning. The swell drops to 7 ft from the south, period short at 8 seconds, and combined energy is 1377 – moderate. But the wind swings light cross-off from the southwest at 9 mph, and it’s clean. That’s a decent window for a more manageable size, though the short period means waves will be a bit crumbly.

Friday the 21st morning is where I get excited. We’ve got a 5 ft south swell with a long 15-second period (that’s groundswell), and the wind is light offshore from the WNW at 6 mph – glassy, clean. Combined energy sits at 1210, moderate. This is the standout. That long period will give you proper, lined-up waves with good shape, and the offshore breeze will have them peeling nicely. The Gap works best on that ESE optimum direction, so the southerly angle will wrap in with some punch. Afternoon stays clean with 5 ft and offshore 9 mph, but the energy drops a touch.

Saturday the 22nd morning drops to 3 ft, still south, and the wind is fresh offshore from the NW at 19 mph – too much breeze for the size, makes paddling tough. By Sunday the 23rd, it’s tiny – 2 ft and 1.0 ft – with strong offshore winds that blow you off the wave. Not worth it.

Monday the 24th sees some life with 4 ft from the SSW, 11-second period, and clean offshore winds, but it’s only marginal. The real gem in the second week is Tuesday the 25th. Both morning and afternoon give you 4 ft of long period SSW swell (15-16 seconds), combined energy around 686-759, and gentle offshore breezes from the WNW at 9 mph. Clean, glassy, good shape – that’s a proper session if you score it.

After that, Wednesday the 26th through the end of the month tails off into smaller, less consistent surf with a lot of cross and onshore winds. Thursday the 27th afternoon brings a messy 7 ft south swell with short period. By Tuesday the 1st of September, there’s a 5 ft south swell and clean cross-off winds, but it’s only marginal. Wednesday the 2nd of September fires up again with a big 12 ft SSW swell and 10 ft south swell, combined energy over 5000 – strong, powerful, but likely too big for most.

Overall, the standout is Friday the 21st morning for that glassy, long-period groundswell, and Tuesday the 25th if you want clean, manageable surf in the second week. The Gap is fairly consistent, so it won’t stay flat for long, but there are gaps. Crowds are often on it, so expect company when it’s good.

Rusty.

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