The Heads Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Looks like we’ve got a bit of a slow start, but once the swell kicks in, there’s some serious size on the way. The first few days are pretty small and messy, but hold tight—there are some absolute standouts coming up for the experienced crew.

The Heads (sandbar) is the main break in the mix. Water temp is sitting at 62°, which is about 1° cooler than average for this time of year—nothing wild, just a touch on the fresh side.

Sunday 12th is a write-off: only 5ft to 5ft of SSW swell, but it’s cross-shore wind and the energy is weak (947). Not worth paddling out. Monday 13th morning gets glassy and clean with 4ft SSW swell, but it’s still low energy (458)—decent for a beginner session, but nothing to get excited about. Tuesday 14th is a bit better: 5ft to 5ft ESE swell, glassy both morning and afternoon, energy moderate (395 to 446). Clean waves, but small.

Now, Wednesday 15th afternoon is where things start to heat up. Only 3ft of swell, but it’s a long-period 18-second SSW groundswell, and the energy jumps to 1014 (moderate). Glassy conditions, clean faces. This is a sneaky good session for a log or a mid-length if you’re patient.

The first real standout is Thursday 16th morning. Solid 8ft SW swell, 14-second period, glassy with calm wind. Energy is strong (2762). This is excellent surf, but it’s over 8ft, so only for experienced surfers. The Heads will have some serious push, and with that long period, it’ll be better shaped than a typical beach dump—keep an eye on the sandbar setup.

Friday 17th is a bit of a letdown: 10ft SW swell but cross-shore winds and chop, energy strong (2925). Not clean. Saturday 18th morning cleans up nicely with 7ft SW swell and cross-offshore wind—clean, powerful, and energy is strong (1836). Another good one for experienced surfers. Sunday 19th afternoon sees 5ft E swell, glassy, and moderate energy (988)—a nice mellow session after the bigger days.

There’s a gap from Monday 20th to Tuesday 21st morning, but Tuesday 21st is a monster: 10ft WSW swell comes in glassy, 10-second period, energy strong (1820). That’s excellent for experienced surfers again. But by Tuesday afternoon, the swell jumps to 12ft SW, and the forecast says it’s too big for this break. Same for Wednesday 22nd morning and afternoon—12ft SSW swell, 14-second period, clean offshore winds, but simply too big for The Heads. Energy is massive (4494 and 4230). This is for experts only, and even then, it’s pushing the limits.

Thursday 23rd is still big (8ft to 8ft SSW, 14-second period) but with cross-offshore wind and energy strong (2175 to 2734). Clean but heavy. Friday 24th afternoon is a gem: 8ft SW swell, 14-second period, glassy, and energy is very strong (4851). Excellent surf for experienced surfers. Saturday 25th is another standout: 8ft SSW swell, 16-second period (very long period), glassy both morning and afternoon, energy strong (3678 to 3081). This is prime groundswell—perfect for a point or reef, but at The Heads sandbar, that long period might make it break a bit straight. Still, clean and powerful.

Sunday 26th is too big again: 18ft SW swell in the morning, energy extreme (10499). Not for paddling. Monday 27th backs off to 10ft SSW, but cross-on wind and marginal conditions.

Overall, the best on offer is Thursday 16th morning and Saturday 25th morning/afternoon. Both are glassy, strong, and excellent for experienced surfers. If you’re after a smaller clean session, Wednesday 15th afternoon is a sleeper pick.

Rusty.

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