Monster swells are expected along the South Coast on Friday, reaching maximum heights of six metres at Port Kembla and even up to nine metres at Eden.
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Wollongong can expect maximum swells to reach about four metres.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Tim Constable said the swells have been expected all week, with the deepening of a trough over the central Tasman Sea earlier this week.
Mr Constable has warned that while the conditions may be perfect for experienced surfers, for general-public swimming however it could be quite misleading.
"I'm sure there are lots of surfers who will be pretty keen on it today," he said.
"With south to south-west winds blowing from the land, it means they are offshore. So, as well as these decent waves, the conditions are going to be pretty glassy."
"The surface of the ocean can look quite smooth. You could look at the water for 10 or 15 minutes and not see any waves and then a huge wave can arrive."
Rock fishermen, boaters and swimmers are being warned to take care with dangerous surf conditions predicted along the entire NSW coast on Thursday and Friday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning of significant wave heights of two to three metres expected particularly for south facing surf zones.
Coastalwatch chief forecaster Ben Macartney said that, as far as east coast lows go, "it's a monster".
"It might move fairly quickly towards Tasmania, which may limit the duration of the swell. But some of the forecasts have it hovering over the south central Tasman Sea, which could maintain the swell on Saturday before easing on Sunday, Monday," he said.
Roads and Maritime Services advises that skippers and owners of small crafts should be on high alert and check the conditions before considering crossing a coastal bar or heading offshore.
Strong winds can also cause dangerous conditions for vessels on moorings which have been poorly maintained.
Every skipper is responsible for the safety of their vessel and all on board. Roads and Maritime advises skippers to:
- Check the official weather forecast before and during boating
- Ensure the boat and its equipment is suitable for the conditions
- Log on/off with a Marine Rescue NSW marine radio base for every trip offshore
- Wear a lifejacket.