West Dale Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then. I’ve had a look at the charts for West Dale, and I’ll be honest with you, it’s a pretty grim picture for the next couple of weeks. We’re looking at a solid 16-day forecast window, but the first surfable day isn’t even on the cards until the 25th of July. That’s a long, flat gap to sit through.

The problem is simple: no real swell energy. For the first week and a half, we’re talking about tiny, marginal waves – mostly 0.3ft to 0.7ft, with short periods and weak energy readings (often under 20). The wind is often cross or cross-off, which would keep things clean if there was any wave to ride, but there just isn’t. It’s a frustrating start.

Things finally start to get a pulse on the 25th of July. A slight bump in swell comes through with a 1.0ft wave from the WSW, but the period is short at 10 seconds and the combined energy is only 24 – still weak. The wind is a cross-onshore breeze from the WNW, which is going to ruffle the surface a bit. It’s not a total washout, but it’s not a session you’d write home about.

The 26th looks worse, with the wind swinging onshore and picking up to 15-18 mph from the W, making things choppy and messy. By the 28th and 29th, we see a similar story: a tiny 1.0ft swell from the WSW, with energy levels creeping up to 19-22, but the wind remains a problem – mostly cross-onshore or onshore, and the period is a short, weak 8-9 seconds. This really isn't a paddle surfer's paradise. With that onshore wind and small, weak swell, this setup is more interesting for the kite surfers than anyone else.

The one bright spot is the 22nd of July morning. We see a glassy, flat calm with the wind dying completely. The swell is still only 0.3ft, so you can’t surf it, but it’s a beautiful sight for a morning paddle. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so the swim isn’t too bad.

Honestly, for the entire 16 days, there’s no standout day. The best session is probably the 25th of July, and even then, it’s a stretch. The swell direction is from the WSW, which is fine for the exposed nature of West Dale, but the size and period just aren’t there. This is a blank run that’s pretty normal for the area when the swell windows don’t line up. Keep an eye on the charts, things can change, but right now, don’t hold your breath.

Rusty.

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