The Heads Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the cards for The Heads over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a bit of an up-and-down run, with some proper size windows mixed with days you might be better off doing something else.

It kicks off Monday the 17th of August with a clean start. The swell is a solid 7ft from the SW, and the period is a nice long 13 seconds, giving it some proper push. The read on the combined energy is strong (1788), and with the wind glassed out, it’s going to be smooth out there. This is classic groundswell, so expect those long lines and lulls between sets. This is excellent for anyone who knows what they’re doing, but at 7ft, beginners might find it a handful. Tuesday the 18th shapes up well too, especially the afternoon with a touch bigger swell at 8ft from the SW, still that long 13-second period, and glassy conditions again. The energy is hefty (1747). If you can get out for that afternoon session, it’s going to be choice.

Wednesday the 19th gets blown around a bit with a cross-shore wind, making things lumpy. The swell holds around 8ft to 8ft from the SW, period dropping a touch to 12 seconds, but the wind ruins the shape. Thursday the 20th is a day for experts only, full stop. We’re looking at 12ft from the SSW, which is a heap of water. The energy numbers spike hard (3987), but it’s just too big for this break. The wind switches to a cross-onshore too, so it’ll be a washing machine.

Friday the 21st looks like the pick of the first week. The swell drops back to a more manageable 7ft from the SW, period at 12 seconds, and the morning has glassy conditions with a light SE flow. The energy is still pumping (1353). This is the day to call in sick for. It’s clean, it’s got power, and it’s not insane. Saturday the 22nd is a write-off with messy cross and cross-onshore winds, and Sunday the 23rd we see another massive pulse of 13ft from the SSW, energy hitting 5049. That’s way too big for paddle surfing here. The setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing on those days.

Next week, from Monday the 24th through Wednesday the 26th, we’ve got solid swell hanging around (7ft to 8ft from the S and SSW), but the wind is mostly cross-onshore or cross-shore with some lumpy texture. The period stays long on the 26th (16 seconds), but the wind chop will spoil the party. By Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th, it drops in size (6ft to 7ft) but the wind is still tricky. The combined energy falls into the moderate zone (around 1066), so it’s weak and wonky.

Long range into late August and the start of September, it gets messy. Strong winds and rain showers show up, with the swell fluctuating. That Saturday the 29th sees 30 km/h winds and a 10ft swell with a short 8-second period – a total no-go. The energy is still moderate, but the quality is poor. By Monday the 1st of September, there’s a pulse of 8ft from the SSW with a 14-second period, but the cross-shore wind will keep it from being epic.

The standouts here are Monday morning the 17th and Friday morning the 21st. Both have that clean, glassy look with proper SW groundswell and good energy. That Friday is the real winner if you ask me – it’s not too big, it’s clean, and it’s got plenty of grunt.

Water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing wild.

Crowds at The Heads can show up sometimes, so on those good days, get there early.

Stay stoked.

- Rusty

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