Well, it has been another great week of weather, with more very mild and warm temperatures, sunny skies, and light winds – perfect weather for hitting the beach!
It is hard to believe that we are still in winter (well until Sunday anyway).
As we look ahead to today, and then across the weekend, the forecast is looking similar too with more warm temperatures and sunny skies, but those winds will increase to become more moderate and even a little gusty at times.
Today’s winds will be from the N/NW this morning at around 10 to 15 knots, before they increase to 15 to 20 knots this afternoon.
Tomorrow will then be almost identical with 15 to 20 knots of N/NW winds forecast, before Sunday brings slightly lighter N/NW winds at around 15 knots.
Swimming
This past week has once again brought mostly great swimming conditions across all local beaches, with the winds remaining mostly light and the ocean mostly calm – apart from those afternoon sea-breezes bringing slightly choppy conditions through this afternoon period.
Looking at the forecast for the next few days, we can expect moderate N/NW winds, which will bring choppy conditions on those beaches that face in a more northerly direction, along with a side sweep running from left to right as well, but those beaches that are protected from these winds will be considerably better and have calmer conditions.
With this in mind, the best beaches for swimmers over the coming days will certainly be Elliott Heads and Kelly’s Beach.
The best time to hit the ocean will be from early to mid-morning while the winds are lighter and the tide is high.
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!
Weekdays: 9 am to 5 pm at Agnes Water only
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am to 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water only
Surfing
This past week has not brought a great deal of joy for board-riders looking for waves, but once again there have been some very small, clean waves about for the longboards and the SUP’s.
Looking ahead to the coming days, we unfortunately will see an increase in northerly winds, which is never great for surfers, but you may be able to try your luck at Kelly’s Beach or Elliott Heads for a slightly cleaner, but still small wave.
Good luck (you may need it).
For the SUP and ocean ski paddlers chasing a downwind paddle, there will be plenty of options for a slick north to south run today and across the weekend as well with the moderate northerly.
But for those chasing a more gentle and mild ocean paddle, you may need to hit beaches such as Kelly’s Beach and Elliott Heads through the early mornings.
Events
The Lifesaving World Championships 2024 continue through today, across this weekend and then throughout all of next week on the Gold Coast.
