Thousand Steps Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s on offer for the next couple of weeks. Honestly, it’s a pretty slow start and the quality isn’t screaming at you, but there are a few windows that could be worth a paddle.

First thing to note: the water here at Thousand Steps is sitting at 72° – that’s much warmer than usual for this time of year, so you’ll be comfortable in a spring suit or even just a rashie.

The first proper surf to talk about is on Wednesday the 22nd. We’ve got a 3 ft SSW swell rolling in, but it’s coming from the west at 9 mph, which puts it cross-on. The period is a decent 15 seconds, so there’s some groundswell energy, but the wind is just making it a bit messy. Not the best, but it’s something to get wet on.

Thursday the 23rd is pretty similar – 3 ft to 2 ft, still cross-on winds, and the wave state is a bit grotty. The energy is moderate (around 525), but it’s not really clean enough to get excited about.

Friday the 24th sees the swell drop to 2 ft, but the period jumps to 24 seconds – that’s a very long period groundswell. The energy is moderate (756), but at a beach break, that long period stuff can close out or run straight. Still, combined with light cross-onshore winds, it might hold a few if you pick your spot.

Saturday the 25th has a small 3 ft SSW swell, and the wind turns offshore (WSW at 6 mph). That’s a big positive. The period is 21 seconds, so again, very long. The energy is moderate (717). This is probably the best-looking morning of the first week – clean conditions with a touch of groundswell. Don’t expect barrels, but it’ll be fun for a grovel.

Sunday the 26th goes backwards. The wind picks up from the SSE at 16 mph, cross-on, and the wave state is choppy. The energy is moderate (759), but the conditions are poor. Monday the 27th through Tuesday the 28th see a bit of a lift with 4 ft to 4 ft SW swell and offshore winds (SW at 6 mph). The period drops to 18-17 seconds, still solid. Energy is moderate to strong (778-886). The wind is clean, so these mornings could be a pleasant surprise for a bigger board.

Wednesday the 29th and Thursday the 30th drop back to 3 ft and 3 ft, with cross-on winds returning. The energy is moderate (660-505). Nothing special.

Now, the standout period looks like Friday the 31st of July through to Saturday the 1st of August. We’ve got a building swell. Friday morning: 4 ft from the SSE, offshore wind from the SW at 3 mph, period 15 seconds. The energy is strong (882). Friday afternoon: 5 ft, still SSE, offshore wind, period 14 seconds, energy jumps to 1026. That’s strong. Saturday morning the 1st: 6 ft from the S, offshore wind (SW at 6 mph), period 14 seconds, energy at 1171 – that’s strong to very strong. Saturday afternoon: 6 ft from the S, though the wind goes cross-on, energy 1312. This is the biggest swell of the window. The 6 ft to 6 ft range is getting into the territory where it’s not for beginners, but for an intermediate, with offshore winds, it could be the best two days on offer. The swell direction (S to SSE) matches the optimum swell from the SW reasonably well, and the reef break at Thousand Steps should handle the longer period (14-15 secs) better than a beach.

After that, Sunday the 2nd drops back to 5 ft, still cross-on, and then it fades quickly. From Monday the 3rd of August onwards, the swell dwindles to 3 ft and below, with weak energy (under 300) and poor conditions. The last real surfable day is likely the 2nd.

So, the pick of the bunch is Friday the 31st of July and Saturday the 1st of August. Friday morning looks best with clean offshore wind and a rising 4 ft to 5 ft SSE swell. Saturday morning has the biggest swell (6 ft) and still offshore, but it’s a bit more powerful. Keep an eye on the tide. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so get in early.

The rest of the period is quiet, especially after the 2nd of August – there’s a long gap of small, weak, and windy surf right through to the end of the 16-day window.

Rusty.

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