The Wharf Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let me break down what we’ve got coming up for The Wharf. It’s a reef break, handles a south swell best, and it’s consistent when it gets swell. We’re looking at a pretty grim start though, real tough.

Right off the bat, from Thursday the 30th of July right through the first week of August, the surf is just poor. We’ve got a persistent cross-onshore and onshore wind, mostly from the SE and E, blowing at 15 to 22 mph. That’s ruining any chance of clean waves. The swell is small, mostly around 2ft to 5ft from the S and SE, with moderate combined swell energy in the 400-650 range. Water temp is sitting at a warm 81°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year.

The whole first week is a write-off. It’s not until Thursday the 6th of August that we see a glimmer, with a 4ft S swell at 13 seconds, giving moderate energy, but it’s still cross-onshore, so just marginal at best. The wind stays in the way all through.

There’s a jump in swell energy around Friday the 7th and Saturday the 8th of August, with swell hitting 6ft from the S and periods around 14-16 seconds, pushing the combined energy way up over 1000, strong stuff. But it’s all onshore wind from the ESE at 15-22 mph, and with risk of thunderstorms. That size with that wind and a reef break? That’s going to be a lumpy, messy mess. Not for paddling.

The second week is quieter again, with smaller S swells and continuing cross-onshore winds, mostly in the fresh breeze range. The standouts are simply not here.

The only moment that looks even close to worthwhile is the morning of Thursday the 13th of August. We’ve got a 4ft SE swell with a 10-second period. The wind swings light from the NE, a light cross-onshore. Combined swell energy is moderate at 584. The wave comment says it’s marginal, but with the lighter breeze, it might clean up a little and give you a few fun ones if you’re not fussy. Still, it’s not a proper standout.

Overall, the guidance says this is a consistent spot, but this 16-day window is almost entirely a bust. A blank run like this is a tough spell for the area. Forecasts can change, but right now, there’s nothing worth getting keen about. Maybe the kite crew can have a go with that strong onshore wind on the 7th and 8th, but for a paddle surfer, it’s a long wait.

Rusty.

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