Wategos Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’ll be straight with you – the first few days of this outlook are a write-off. We’ve got a proper lull to kick things off, with hardly a ripple and poor surf conditions right through until the end of the week. The water temp is sitting at 69°F which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The wait drags on until Friday the 17th of July, when things finally start to wake up. That morning we’ll see some 8ft swell rolling in from the SE with a short 8-second period, and combined energy hitting 757 (moderate). The wind is cross-off, so it’ll be clean, but the short period means it’s a bit raw and lumpy – marginal at best, and with that size, it’s already getting into the “too big for beginners” territory. The afternoon eases slightly to 8ft.

Saturday the 18th pushes bigger, with 10ft SE swell, 8-second period, and energy climbing to 990 in the morning, then 1564 (strong) by the afternoon. Offshore wind keeps it clean, but the short period and size mean it’s expert-only water. Sunday the 19th goes proper chunky – 15ft SE swell, 11-second period, and energy through the roof at 4840 (very strong). That’s a serious groundswell, but with the wind cross-off and the period getting longer, it’ll be holding its shape. Still, that’s only for the brave.

Now, here’s the standout. Monday the 20th of July afternoon. The swell drops slightly to 8ft from the E, 10-second period, and energy is 1357 (strong). The wind swings offshore at 16 mph, giving us moderate offshore and clean conditions. The water is still fine. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers – the best on offer in the first week. The consistency at Wategos is very consistent, but this is a point break, so the longer-period swell should wrap in nicely. Crowds are always a factor here, so expect company.

The following week settles into a more consistent rhythm, but nothing quite matches that Monday afternoon blast. Tuesday the 21st keeps 8ft ESE swell, 10-second period, and offshore winds – clean, good surf. Wednesday the 22nd afternoon sees a bump to 8ft E swell with a 12-second period, energy at 1780, and offshore wind, making it another excellent window for experienced surfers. Thursday the 23rd afternoon repeats the trick with 8ft E swell, 13-second period, energy 1902, and offshore wind – same story.

Friday the 24th afternoon is a gem for the lighter crowd: 7ft ESE swell, 12-second period, and a gentle offshore breeze at 9 mph. Clean, smooth, and just a bit more mellow. Then Saturday the 25th of July morning is the quiet star – 8ft ESE swell, 12-second period, energy 1543, and glassy conditions with a 3 mph NW breeze. That’s a magical morning if you can get out early. The afternoon turns cross-on and gets a bit messy.

Sunday the 26th and Monday the 27th mornings both offer clean, glassy or near-calm conditions with 8ft and 6ft ESE swell, 11-second period. These are great for anyone who can handle a bit of size, with the Monday morning being particularly inviting with no wind.

After that, the swell eases into the final days, dropping to 5ft and below, with the wind turning cross or onshore, so the quality fades out.

Overall, the best bang for your buck is Monday the 20th of July afternoon – that’s the one to circle. For a cleaner, slightly smaller session, Saturday the 25th of July morning is your glassy beauty.

Rusty.

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