The Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, lads, Rusty here. Let's have a squiz at the next couple of weeks for The Island.

We've got some cracking waves straight away, but then the ocean's going to turn into a washing machine for a while before it cleans back up. The first two days are rippers, then a big SW groundswell meets some serious wind, and it's game over for a bit. We'll ride out the storm and the second week has a couple of quality windows.

Right now, on Thursday morning, it's already cooking. A clean 4ft of SW groundswell, with a very long 16-second period, and light cross-off winds. The water's at 59°F, which is about average for this time of year. The wave energy is moderate at 924. A clean, classic start. The afternoon swell bumps to 5ft, still with that clean cross-off breeze, and the energy goes up to 1230. This is the time to be out if you're experienced; it's going to be firing.

Friday morning, the swell kicks up to 6ft, but the wind swings around to a fresh northerly cross-shore at 19 mph. It's going to get lumpy and confused (energy 1679), not the one. The afternoon stays blown-out with a 6ft south-west swell and a moderate cross-shore (1703). Not worth the paddle.

Saturday, more of the same—5ft of swell but that fresh cross-shore wind keeps it messy (1178). The afternoon looks poor with rain showers moving in. The swell holds at 5ft but the wind goes onshore, making it a write-off. Sunday, it gets serious. A 10ft SW swell rolls in, but with near-gale force cross-onshore winds at 34 mph. That's a hard no, total close-out territory (energy 3650). All that power, just blown to bits. Monday and Tuesday are still grim, with strong onshore winds and sloppy, big surf in the 8–10ft range. Energy readings are high, over 3000, but it’s all for nothing. Wednesday stays in that same vein—strong winds, big, messy surf (energy up around 4865). All power, no polish.

We get a bit of relief on Thursday, the 14th. The winds drop right out, leaving the 8-8ft SW groundswell (17s period) with just a light onshore puff. The energy is still significant (3155), but the morning looks like it might have some shape, despite the marginal call.

Friday, the 15th, hold onto your boards, this is the standout. The wind goes light cross-off, it's clear, and we've got a clean 6ft of SW groundswell (16s) with energy at 1784. These are the best conditions we've seen since the start. The late afternoon still looks clean with 6ft waves. This is your session if you're experienced and want proper waves without the storm. The Island is a consistent reef break, so it handles this kind of swell well.

Saturday the 16th, there's still a fun 5ft SW groundswell with light cross-off winds in the morning. Good waves, but a bit smaller (energy 980). The afternoon drops off quickly as the wind turns onshore.

After that, the next week weakens out. Sunday the 17th turns to junk—a fresh cross-shore and smaller swell, write it off. Monday the 18th is a light cross-onshore with 5-6ft of SW swell. Just marginal, onshore and a bit lumpy. We get another cleaner window on Tuesday the 19th morning, a clean 6ft cross-off with a moderate breeze. It's surfable but not as crisp. Wednesday the 20th, the swell dips a bit but there's still some energy there.

Now, for the real long-range gem. Thursday the 21st of August, the conditions line up again. We get a gentle offshore ESE wind, and clean 5ft of SW groundswell (16s) with energy at 1369. This looks like another proper standout morning. It's a week and a half out, so call it promising rather than locked in, but all the signs point to clean lines.

So, to cut the chase: Thursday morning and that Friday the 15th look the absolute best. That first Friday is your heavy-swell day with clean lines. And the 21st is the one to keep an eye on, but it’s long range.

Keep it salty.

Rusty

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