Aha Rivermouth Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer at Aha Rivermouth. We’ve got a proper mixed bag coming our way. The first week is mostly a write-off, so don’t bother paddling out until the last few days of August. The real action gets going mid-week, starting Wednesday the 26th.

For the first several days, it’s all wind and chop. Tuesday the 18th kicks off with a messy 5ft east swell, but with a fresh 19 mi/h east wind slapping it cross-onshore, it’s just lumpy and poor. The energy is weak (144) and the period is a short, gutless 6 seconds – not worth waxing up for. That trend holds through the 19th, 20th, and 21st. Wednesday the 19th has a bit more size at 6ft, but it’s still cross-on with wind howling at 22 mi/h – just a mess. Thursday the 20th gets ugly: the swell ramps up to 10ft by the afternoon, but the wind goes near gale at 34 mi/h, cross-shore, with energy booming (1341). That’s more for kite surfers than paddle surfers, honestly. Friday the 21st morning cleans up a little with a cross-offshore wind, but it’s still only 6ft and the forecast says poor conditions.

From Saturday the 22nd right through to Tuesday the 25th, the surf drops to a tiny 0.7ft to 1ft, and the wind stays onshore or cross-shore. The combined energy is barely a flicker (11 to 147). You’re not going anywhere on those days. Tuesday the 25th afternoon sees a pulse of 4ft, but it’s a 15-second groundswell from the ESE and the wind is onshore – still no good.

Now, here’s the standout. Wednesday morning, August 26th. That’s the one to circle. Aha Rivermouth (beach/jetty) gets a beautiful 8ft swell from the ESE, period of 14 seconds. The wind goes glassy – just 3 mi/h from the NNE – and the water temperature is a warm 83°, which is about average for this time of year. The combined energy is pumping at 2273, and it’s clean. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers only; that size is beyond a beginner’s comfort zone. The period is long, so it’ll be a proper groundswell, with nice lines and longer waits between sets. Paddling out will be easier between bombs. This spot is a beach/jetty setup, so those long-period waves might wall up a bit straight, but with glassy conditions, it’ll be a fun morning. Crowds are "sometimes" a factor here, so expect a few others in the water.

Thursday the 27th sees even bigger swell – 10ft in the morning, 12ft in the afternoon, both from the ESE at 15 seconds. The wind is light and cross-offshore in the morning, clean. But honestly, this is now too big for the break. The energy is massive (4225 to 4858), and it’s only for experts. Friday the 28th gets even more monstrous – 15ft to 16ft with 15-second periods – that’s just huge. The wind is light, but the swell is overwhelming. Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th hold at 13ft to 15ft, still too big. By Monday the 31st, the swell drops to 10ft to 12ft, but the wind picks up onshore, making it poor again.

Then, on Wednesday morning, September 2nd, there’s a late hopeful window. A 6ft ENE groundswell with 9-second period, glassy wind from the NNW. The energy is moderate (829) and the forecast says expect very good surf conditions. That’s a nice last chance. The afternoon drops to 4ft with a light cross-on, so the morning is the pick.

If you’re only going to paddle out once, make it Wednesday morning, August 26th. That’s the best of the lot by a long shot. The second week is all about those massive, expert-only swells, so don’t get caught inside if you’re not ready.

Rusty out.

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