In this week’s beach report Craig Holden says there will be smooth and glassy ocean conditions as the cold weather sets in.
Well, winter has arrived – those chilly temperatures for the past couple of days should have reminded you of that – and today we are officially punching through the third day of winter!
And, with this blast of winter weather, also came some absolutely stunning days of weather at the beach too, with glassy, smooth ocean conditions to enjoy!
Looking ahead to the weekend and once again we should see mostly good weather conditions, with slightly warmer minimum temperatures, light and variable winds, but just the slight chance of light showers here and there – more likely on Saturday.
Today’s winds will be variable, with S to S/SE winds early at around 5 to 10 knots, but they will then ease back to 5 knots and swing more from the E/SE, then from the N/NE later this afternoon.
Tomorrow will then bring W/NW to N/NW winds at around 5 to 10 knots throughout the day, before Sunday becomes variable once again, with S/SW to N/NW winds at 5 to 10 knots.
Swimming: The swimming conditions have been absolutely sensational for the past few days, with those light, offshore winds keeping the ocean glassy and flat – just perfect for swimming!
As we look ahead to today and across the weekend, we should once again be greeted with good swimming conditions, but with the variable wind forecast, there will be times when the ocean does get a bit of chop on the surface – and probably more so on those north-facing beaches when the swings from the N/NW.
All-in-all though, swimming conditions will be pretty good still, and in a bonus for swimmers, the water temperature is still quite mild, and the water clarity is improving!
The best time for swimmers over the coming days will either be in the very early mornings, or again from around late morning when the tide is higher.
Whilst all beaches should be quite okay this weekend, you may find slightly better conditions at Elliott Heads and Kelly’s Beach tomorrow, and late this afternoon and Sunday afternoon.
Please check with the lifeguard on duty, read any safety signage or messages, and most importantly please swim only at patrolled beaches, only between the red and yellow flags, and only during patrol times – remember, if we can’t see you, we can’t save you!
Beach patrols: Today and weekdays – NIL
Saturday and Sunday – 9am to 5pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water only
Surfing: Well, the wave heights dropped very quickly through last weekend, as expected, and despite a very brief period of small, glassy waves on Tuesday morning, the ocean has been flat and glassy ever since – much to the disappointment of local board-riders!
Unfortunately, the forecast for the coming days does not improve either!
It looks like more of the same mostly flat conditions, with maybe just a very small northerly bump through tomorrow, that will not provide too much excitement.
If you are really keen, maybe have a look at Kelly’s Beach or Elliott Heads through mid-morning tomorrow, or else keep an eye on your favourite spot in case things change. Good luck!
For the SUP and ocean ski paddlers, the weekend should provide plenty more options for a mostly calm and gentle ocean paddle, but for those looking for a slick downwind paddle, the wind forecast is not on your side!
Events: Nil.
- Last week’s beach report: Sunshine on the cards for weekend