Nanwan Beach (South Bay) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer for the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a tough start. The first few days are mostly a write-off with poor surf conditions and very little energy. It’s not until Thursday afternoon, the 30th of July, that things start to look a bit more promising. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing to write home about.

Nanwan Beach (South Bay) is the only spot in the game here. It’s a beach and reef setup, fairly consistent, but crowds are likely. The optimum swell direction is from the SE, and the place is fairly exposed.

Thursday 30th July afternoon is your first real window. The swell is a modest 5ft from the SSW with a period of 9 seconds. The combined energy is still low at 396 (moderate), but the wind is a gentle cross-off breeze making for clean conditions. It’s not a standout, but it’s the first decent chance.

Friday 31st July sees a big jump in size but the quality drops. Morning has 10ft from the ESE with a 13-second period – that’s a long period groundswell, but it’s cross-shore winds and messy. Combined energy hits 2663 (strong). The afternoon is similar, 10ft from the ESE, 14-second period, 3955 energy (strong). The wind is cross again, so it’s lumpy. Not recommended for a paddle.

Saturday 1st August is a monster. Morning sees 15ft from the ESE with a 14-second period, combined energy a massive 8444 (very strong). The wind is cross-shore though, and the swell is way too big for this break – experts only, and even then it’s borderline. Afternoon drops to 13ft from the ESE, 13-second period, 4979 energy (very strong), but with onshore wind making it even messier. This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing.

Sunday 2nd August drops back down to 5ft from the SW, 8-second period, 484 energy (moderate). Winds are cross-shore, poor surf conditions. Not worth it.

Monday 3rd August is another big day – 13ft from the W and WSW, with short 8-9 second periods, 2679 energy (strong). Cross-shore winds and lumpy. Too big and messy.

Tuesday 4th August could be a real beauty if you’re an expert. Morning: 15ft from the SW, 11-second period, 4200 energy (very strong). Glassy conditions – that’s a huge positive. The wind is light and glassy from the SSE. The swell is too big for beginners, but for experts, this is the standout of the whole forecast. The 13ft afternoon from the SW with glassy wind is also a cracker, 3790 energy (very strong). This is your best bet if you’ve got the skills.

Wednesday 5th August morning: 16ft from the SW, 12-second period, 7332 energy (very strong). The wind is cross-off from the WNW, so clean. The swell is massive, only for experts. The afternoon drops to 12ft from the SW, 11-second period, 5146 energy (very strong), but the wind is a near gale – avoid.

Thursday 6th and Friday 7th August are both blown out with strong cross-shore winds and messy conditions, on strong to very strong energy levels. Not worth paddling out.

Saturday 8th August morning: 10ft from the SW, 10-second period, 1541 energy (strong). Cross-off wind from the W, clean conditions. It’s a marginal call, but it’s the last decent chance in the window.

Overall, if you’re an expert, make a beeline for Tuesday 4th August – glassy, powerful, long period groundswell, but it’s big. For everyone else, the pickings are slim. The 30th of July afternoon is a small, clean session for the intermediates. The rest is either flat, blown out, or too big.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty

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