The Heads Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. We've got a solid 16-day window ahead at The Heads, and while it starts a bit rough, there's some proper groundswell brewing for the experienced crew later on. This is a sandbar setup that's fairly consistent and fairly exposed, handling a SSE direction best.

The first few days are a bit of a mixed bag. Friday the 10th kicks off with a strong SSW swell, 10ft, with a long 13-second period and glassy conditions thanks to light W winds. The water energy is pumping at 3131, and for an experienced surfer, it's excellent. That carries into the afternoon with similar size. The downside is that this is a sandbar, and with the period over 13 seconds, the swell might be a bit too straight-up for it to really reel off.

Saturday the 11th sees the swell drop a touch to 8ft, but the wind swings to a cross-shore E breeze, and the energy drops off to 2192. It’s still a bit too big for beginners, but the wind will make it tricky. The choppier conditions persist into Sunday and Monday as the swell fades and periods drop. By Tuesday the 14th, we’ve got clean, glassy conditions again with a smaller 5ft ESE swell, but at 8 seconds, it's a short-period wind swell, so it'll be crumbly and weak.

Now, for the standout. Thursday the 16th is the first real highlight. An excellent SW groundswell at 8ft with a 13-second period, and in the morning it's glassy. The water temperature is about average for this time of year. The energy is strong at 2062. This is the pick for the first week. You'll want to be on the morning session.

That clean energy holds into Sunday the 19th. Another pulse of 10ft SW swell at 13 seconds arrives, with glassy ENE winds in the morning. That's a proper session. It drops off slightly after.

Looking ahead into the second week, Wednesday the 22nd is one to circle. A 8ft SW swell showing up with a 9-second period, but with glassy conditions all day. The energy is solid at 1232. It’s not the biggest, but it’ll be clean.

Then, Thursday the 23rd is the absolute standout of the entire forecast. A long-period 14-second SW groundswell at 8ft in the morning, building to 8ft by the afternoon. The wind is glassy, and the energy is very strong at 2176. This is premium surf for experts. However, be warned: by Friday the 24th, the swell absolutely detonates, hitting 20ft with a 16-second period. That is way too big for even the most seasoned charger at this break. The energy is a monstrous 16512. That Friday and Saturday are for watching, not paddling out.

Overall, the best windows are the mornings of the 16th and 19th, and then the entire day of the 23rd is the crown jewel. Don't get too excited about the 24th unless you’re towing in.

- Rusty

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