Whale Rock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way for the next stretch.

Overall, it’s a mixed bag with some real challenges early on. The first week is mostly blown out or too messy, but there are a few windows where it cleans up nicely. The second week looks quieter but there’s a couple of glassy moments that could be worth a paddle.

Whale Rock is an exposed reef break, and it’s an inconsistent spot – it doesn’t fire all that often, so when it lines up you want to be on it. The water temp is sitting at 71°, which is about normal for this time of year. Nothing wild there.

We start off Friday the 10th with a lumpy, cross-shore 8 ft SSW swell and strong wind – 16 mph out of the SSW. The combined energy is pumping hard at 2714, but it’s messy and not worth the paddle. Saturday the 11th is smaller at 7 ft S swell, but still cross-shore and a bit junky. Not great.

Sunday the 12th drops to 5 ft S swell but the wind is light cross-onshore, energy down to 760 – still marginal. Monday and Tuesday morning look poor with onshore winds and choppy surf. Not your friend.

Then things shift. Tuesday the 14th morning we get glassy conditions, 6 ft E swell, 8-second period, and light wind. Energy is moderate at 520. This is a clean window – small but workable. Tuesday afternoon stays glassy with 6 ft E swell, 9-second period. That’s your first real chance. Still, the swell is short period and this is an exposed reef, so it might not have as much punch as you’d like.

Wednesday and Thursday mornings stay small, with cleaner conditions but dropping swell. Thursday the 16th morning is glassy with 4 ft E swell, 10-second period, energy 467. Nice little session if you’re keen and the tide cooperates.

Friday the 17th is a write-off – strong cross-offshore wind up to 28 mph and tiny 4 ft swell. Saturday the 18th sees a bump in energy with 5 ft SSW swell, 14-second period, and moderate cross-offshore wind. Energy jumps to 1424, but the wind is clean – this could be a good option for experienced surfers. The long period groundswell will suit the reef setup here, but it may be a bit intense for beginners at over 5 ft.

Sunday the 19th is blown out again with strong winds and lumpy 7 ft S swell – skip it.

Through the middle of the week we get a quiet patch. By Wednesday the 22nd morning, we see glass again with 3 ft SSW swell and a very long 15-second period. Energy is 705, light wind, glassy. This is a standout for clean, mellow waves. The long period will wrap nicely around the reef, but at under 3 ft it’s not big. Great for a longboard or a fish.

Thursday the 23rd morning has 6 ft SSW swell, 8-second period, and light wind – energy up at 1169. The period is short though, so it’ll be a bit crumbly. Still, clean conditions. Then Friday the 24th morning is glassy again with 4 ft SSW swell, 12-second period, energy 373. Another nice small session.

The last few days into the 25th get windy and messy again – not worth the hype.

So the standout for me is Wednesday the 22nd morning – glassy, clean, long-period SSW groundswell wrapping into the reef. Not big, but perfect conditions for those who know the spot. The Saturday the 18th morning could also be a goer for the more advanced crew with that 5 ft SSW swell and clean cross-offshore flow.

Be mindful – Whale Rock is inconsistent and when it does go, the crowds can show up. It’s not a secret spot. Also, the longer period swells here on the reef will produce better-shaped waves but the sets will be further apart. Worth the wait though.

Stay patient, pick your windows, and keep an eye on the wind shifts.

Rusty

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