Gallery and Recap:: Sydney and Surrounds - Early August, 2013
Swell Recap – Winter, what winter?
Words by Ben Horvath.
Gallery by Nick Hollman, Harrison Dancaster, Liquid Visions and Ben Horvath
Global warming Sydney Styles.
Tales of unusually warm weather in Sydney and surrounds are becoming um, more normal.
So far in Sydney, seven months into 2013 and we have already witnessed the hottest day, month and season since records began.
Pretty hard to forget that 45.8 degree day back in January, March was exceptionally warm, and July had the most days topping out above 20 degrees ever.
So it was no surprise that the recent early August E swell coincided with offshore winds, sunshine and above average temperatures.
Friday’s steady increase in ENE groundswell peaked in the the four to six foot range late in the afternoon. Admittedly the 4-6ft sets were a tad inconsistent, but when they came they were packing some punch. Water surface conditions were pretty tasty with very light offshore NW winds barely puffing. The land temp topped out at a very mild 23 degrees.
Narrabeen, Dee Why Point and Nth Steyne were the pick of the Northern Beaches, whilst Maroubra and Cronulla Point were the pick on the Southside. Solander even had a few 3-5ft slabs early in the morning.
The swell peaked overnight on Friday; car parks were packed with disappointed crew early on Saturday morning as wave heights barely averaged three to four feet. Still though, all day offshores ensured there were plenty of fun sized beach breaks to be had right up and down the coast.
On Sunday wave heights backed right off to two, maybe three feet. Fun, but hardly pumping.
Winter thus far has been pleasantly mild, but kind of strange, as temperature records continue to tumble and chunky south groundswells have been few and far between, much like snow producing cold fronts.
Ah well, here’s hoping for a few late season souths before we head into the traditionally low swell spring months.

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