The Patch Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s have a look at what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks.

First off, we’re looking at The Patch. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, fairly consistent, and it’s exposed to the SW. The water’s sitting at 60°, which is a touch warmer than usual for this time of year – nothing wild, but a nice little bonus.

The good news starts on Tuesday morning, the 18th of August. We’ve got a clean, 2ft SW groundswell rolling in with a long 15-second period, and the wind is a light cross-off. That’s a solid combo for a fun, mellow session. The combined energy is moderate at 336, so there’s a bit of push behind it.

The rest of the first week is a bit of a mixed bag. The swell stays small, mostly between 2ft and 3ft, and while the wind is often cross-off or light, the wave quality is just not there for a standout. The period drops off on Thursday and Friday, with some short-period, weak WNW windswell that just doesn’t have the shape. The energy picks up a bit, hitting 432 on Thursday afternoon, but it’s short-period junk. The Patch is fairly consistent, so it’s not all doom and gloom, but we’re in a waiting game.

The weekend of the 23rd and 24th is quiet. Small swells, cross-shore winds, and the energy is dropping. The 24th of August sees a pulse of 2ft, 18-second SW groundswell, but the wind is cross, and the energy is moderate at 332. It’s a tease.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Jump ahead to Thursday morning, the 27th of August. The Patch sees a jump in size to 6ft from the NW with a short 7-second period, but the wind is a light cross-off, and the combined energy is a strong 581. The wave comment says “very good surf conditions.” This is your standout. The swell is a bit short-period, but the clean conditions and the energy should produce some fun, punchy waves. Keep in mind, at 6ft, it’s getting a bit much for absolute beginners, but it’s still very manageable for the average surfer.

The following week is a mixed bag of small SW groundswells and onshore winds. The 29th of August has a 3ft, 18-second SW groundswell with a light cross, and the energy is very strong at 873, but the wind is cross, and the wave quality is just marginal. The 31st of August sees a 7ft WNW windswell with a short period, and the energy is very strong at 1055, but the wind is light cross-on. That’s a lot of water moving, but the short period and onshore angle will make it a bumpy, messy affair. That’s more for the experts or the kite crew.

So, to keep it simple: the best bet on offer is the Thursday morning session on the 27th of August. Clean, good energy, and a decent swell. Everything else is a bit of a gamble or a flat spell. The Patch is fairly consistent, so it’ll bounce back, but for now, mark that Thursday in your calendar.

Rusty.

Read more