The Washout Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s in store for the next couple of weeks.

Straight up, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – this is a tough run. The Washout is looking pretty flat and uninspiring for the vast majority of the forecast period. We’ve got a long stretch of weak, short-period windswell and mostly onshore or cross-shore breezes. The first real solid chance of anything worthwhile doesn’t show up until mid-month, so you’ll be sitting on the beach for a while. There’s a lot of “poor surf conditions” in the data, so temper your expectations.

Let’s get into it. For the first week, from Friday the 7th right through to Thursday the 14th, it’s basically a write-off. Swell is tiny, mostly under 3 ft, with periods around 4 to 8 seconds – that’s pure wind chop. The wind is a mess, mostly onshore from the SE or S, or cross-shore from the SSW. The water is a touch warmer than normal at 86°, but that’s the only highlight. The combined wave energy is weak, sitting in the 20s and 30s, with a few spikes only getting to 80 – that’s barely a ripple. There’s nothing to get excited about here.

The first flicker of hope comes on Saturday morning, the 15th of August. The Washout sees a little bump in swell to 4 ft from the SSW with a 6-second period. The combined energy jumps to 129 (moderate), and the wind is a clean cross-offshore from the WSW. The surf is still “very ordinary” but at least it’s rideable. This is the first time in over a week where you could actually get wet and catch something. It’s not pumping, but it’s a start.

The condition improves a touch on Sunday the 16th. The morning is glassy – dead calm with a light WNW breeze – and the swell is 2 ft from the S. The energy is low (29), so it’s small and clean, but it’s the cleanest we’ve seen. If you’re a beginner, this is your window. The afternoon gets a little choppy again.

Now, if you’re looking for the standout, it’s gotta be Saturday the 15th morning. The swell is 4 ft from the SSW, the wind is clean cross-offshore, and the energy is moderate. It’s not a big day, but relative to the rest of the forecast, it’s the best on offer. The Washout is a beach/pier, so it’s exposed to the SE, and the SSW swell is a bit off that optimum, but the clean wind makes up for it. Crowds are possible here, so expect some company.

After that, we’re back into the doldrums. Monday the 17th morning has a tiny 1.0 ft swell from the SE with a long 13-second period, but the energy is weak (59) and the conditions are still “very ordinary.” The long period is a tease – it’ll be too small and straight for the beach break. The rest of the week from the 18th to the 21st is a mix of tiny swell and onshore garbage. The combined energy stays in the 40s and 60s, weak.

The very end of the run, Saturday the 22nd of August, gives us another tiny glimmer. A 0.7 ft swell from the ESE with a very long 14-second period, and the wind is clean cross-offshore from the W. The energy is weak (46), and it’s tiny, but it’s clean. Again, a beginner’s-only session.

To sum it up: the best bet is Saturday the 15th morning for a small, clean wave. The rest of the 16 days is a long, slow grind. It’s a blank run, but the Washout has a pretty consistent track record, so don’t lose hope – forecasts can change.

Rusty.

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