The Heads Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright crew, Rusty here with the outlook for The Heads. We’ve got a solid run of swell on the way, but the wind and tide windows are going to be key to getting it clean.

The pattern this week is a steady, moderate SW groundswell that pulses up and down. The water temp is sitting at 61°F, which is a touch colder than we’re used to for mid-August, so don’t forget the booties.

We start on the morning of Thursday the 13th with a 1.5m (5ft) SSW swell at 19 seconds. That's a proper, long-period groundswell, packing some serious energy (4149). The wind is a cross-off NE breeze at 12 mph though, so it will be a bit bumpy and tricky. By Thursday afternoon, the swell bumps to 1.9m (6ft) SW, period drops to 17 seconds, and the wind goes east, so it’s cross-shore. It’s workable but not epic.

Now, Friday the 14th is where it gets interesting for the experienced crew. Morning brings a 1.4m (5ft) SW swell, period of 16 seconds, with a nice offshore N wind at 9 mph. The combined energy is still solid (1366). The waves will be clean and have plenty of push. Friday afternoon goes *glassy* with a 1.3m (4ft) SW swell and a 3 mph SW wind. That’s about as perfect as it gets for a calm session.

Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th are smaller and weaker. Swell drops under 5ft and the period shortens to 13-14 seconds. Wind is mostly cross-shore or cross-on, so it’s going to be a bit sloppy. Not the best for a paddle, but the energy levels are low (601 to 730), so it’s flat-ish and weak.

Monday the 17th morning is a hidden gem. We get a glassy 1.9m (6ft) SW swell with a 13-second period and a 3 mph SSE breeze. Clean conditions and decent power (1389). This is the standout for intermediate surfers who want a clean wave without the crazy size. Afternoon gets a bit bumpy again though.

Tuesday and Wednesday the 18th and 19th are all marginal. Swell hangs around 5ft to 7ft, but the period is short (12 seconds) and the wind is mostly cross-on or cross-shore. The energy is there, but it won’t be pretty.

Jumping to Thursday the 20th morning: another glassy one. A 1.9m (6ft) SW swell with an 11-second period and no wind. Conditions are excellent for experienced surfers, and the wave quality will be high.

The following week, from the 21st onwards, the swell stays consistent, 6ft to 8ft, with a mix of 12 to 15 second periods. The standout here is Saturday the 22nd morning. It’s a solid 2.5m (8ft) SW swell with a 14-second period and cross-shore WSW wind. That is a powerful, heavy wave with tons of energy (2854). That’s strictly for experts, as it’s right on the edge of the big stuff. Then Sunday the 23rd morning goes glassy again with 2.0m (7ft) SW swell, which will be a beautiful, clean session. Towards the very end of the outlook, Thursday the 27th afternoon and Friday the 28th see the swell jump to 2.5m to 3.0m (8ft to 10ft) SW with a 14 to 15-second period. That is *very* strong energy (up to 3359), but the wind is cross-on or onshore, so it’ll be messy and blown out. Only for the very keen and experienced.

Best Bets: Friday the 14th morning (offshore, clean, solid wave) and Monday the 17th morning (glassy, 6ft, perfect conditions) are the standouts for this period. If you’re an expert wanting size and power, Saturday the 22nd morning is the one to circle, but expect it to be heavy and not for the faint of heart.

— Rusty

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