The Island Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. The surf’s been pretty sad lately, but don’t write off the whole stretch just yet. The Island’s a reef that needs a solid SW groundswell and clean conditions to really fire, and for a while we’re looking at exactly the wrong winds. A lot of cross and cross-on stuff messing up the face. The water’s sitting at 61°F which is about normal for this time of year, so grab a spring suit and you’re fine.

The first few days from Saturday 18th right through to Wednesday 22nd are pretty much a write-off. Swell’s small, energy’s weak (258 to 619), and the wind is either cross or cross-on most of the time. It’s choppy, lumpy, and not worth paddling out for. There’s a gap of about five days with no real standouts.

Thursday 23rd morning shows a bit of life – swell jumps to 6ft from the SW, period a solid 14 seconds, and the wind goes cross-off. That’s a clean look, and the energy’s up to 1445 – moderate to strong. But it’s still only marginal due to tide or something. Still, conditions are clean. The Island is an advanced spot, so if you’re experienced, it’s worth a look.

Friday 24th is the best of the first week. Morning session: 5ft SW swell, 14-second period, clean cross-off breeze from the NE, and energy at 1002. That’s proper groundswell with good shape. Then Friday afternoon goes glassy – SW wind a mere 3 mph, 4ft, and the energy’s at 720. Expect very good surf. This is the standout. Crowds are possible at The Island, but worth it for those clean lines.

Saturday 25th morning still has clean conditions but the swell drops to 4ft, energy falls to 513, and the wind picks up. It’s okay but not as good. Then from Saturday afternoon through to Wednesday 30th, it’s back to poor conditions – either blown out, lumpy, or too much wind. There’s a big jump on Tuesday 28th with 8ft swell but it’s cross-on and fresh breeze, so it’s messy. Not for paddling.

The second week picks up on Friday 31st July. Morning: 2ft but the period is 20 seconds – very long groundswell. That’s a reef-friendly wave, and the wind is offshore from the E at 16 mph. Energy’s at 428 – moderate. Expect good to very good surf. Then Saturday 1st August is the long-range standout. Morning: 4ft SW, 17-second period, cross-off light breeze, energy 1091. Excellent conditions for experienced surfers. That’s a real gem, but it’s a week and a half away, so keep an eye on it.

Sunday 2nd August pumps up to 10ft but that’s too big for most, and with cross winds it’s gonna be a beast. Only for experts with big balls.

So to sum it up: Friday 24th July is your best bet in the first week – clean, glassy, good groundswell. Saturday 1st August is the one to circle on the calendar, but it’s a long way off. The Island (reef) handles the SW groundswell best, and when the wind’s offshore or glassy, it’s a gem.

Rusty.

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