Amanzimtoti Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get straight into it for Amanzimtoti.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start to the outlook, but things build into a proper main event towards the end of the first week. The water temperature is sitting right on 71°, which is absolutely dead average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

The first few days are pretty ordinary. Tuesday afternoon is a write-off with a 7ft easterly swell wrapping in on a cross wind – it’s got some energy (990) but it’s messy. Wednesday morning and afternoon are similar, with a 7ft E swell and cross-on breezes. The quality is just not there.

Thursday 16 July is where we get our first real glimpse of something good. Thursday morning sees a 5ft easterly swell, a period of 10 seconds, and the wind goes glassy. That’s clean, that’s inviting. The energy is moderate (555). The direction is a bit east, not the optimum south, but with glassy conditions that’s a major plus for a beginner-friendly spot like Amanzimtoti. The afternoon drops to 5ft and turns onshore, so grab the morning session.

Friday and Saturday drop off. Swell goes small and the wind is messy. Not worth paddling out.

Now, Sunday 19 July morning is a standout. A clean 5ft swell from the SSE, period up to 13 seconds, and light cross-offshore winds. The energy is solid (968). That’s a proper groundswell, and the wind direction is giving you clean, lined-up waves. This is the morning to be out there.

Monday 20 July is okay but the wind is cross-onshore, taking the shine off. Tuesday 21 stays small.

Now, the big one. Wednesday 22 July morning. This is the serious highlight. A 8ft swell from the SSW – that’s the optimum direction – with a period of 17 seconds. That’s a very long period groundswell, and combined energy is a massive 3452. The wind is light and cross-offshore, so the face will be clean. This is a powerful, well-shaped swell. However, at 8ft, this is for experienced surfers only. The long period means it will push through the beach break sections, but it will be at its best over the reef. Expect some serious energy and long lulls between sets. The afternoon is a bit smaller at 7ft but still clean.

Thursday 23 July gets blown out by strong cross-on winds, so that’s a no-go. Friday 24 is back to a smaller, cleaner 5ft SSW swell, but nothing special.

The second week drops off significantly. From Saturday 25 July onwards, the swell is tiny, mostly under 3ft, and the wind is either cross or too strong. The energy drops to low numbers. There’s a blip on Tuesday 28 July morning with a 8ft SSW swell, but the wind is a fresh cross breeze and there’s light rain, making it rough. Not worth the paddle.

So, the clear winners are Thursday 16 July morning for a clean, beginner-friendly session, and the absolute standout is Wednesday 22 July morning for the experienced crew looking for a proper, powerful SSW groundswell. Don’t sleep on that Sunday 19 July morning either.

Rusty out.

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