Amanzimtoti Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk in feet and knots, same story.

First up, Amanzimtoti (South Africa). The water’s sitting at 71°F, which is right on the money for this time of year.

Your first real chance is Wednesday afternoon, 5 August. Swell’s a measly 3ft from the East, period of 10 seconds. The wind is a light cross-off from the NE at 9 mph. The combined energy is weak (257), but the surface will be clean. It’s a beginner-friendly wave, so it’s a nice, gentle paddle.

Thursday the 6th is a total loss. Southerly wind at 18 mph, straight onshore, and a 2ft swell with a very long 17-second period. The energy is moderate (411), but it’s lumpy and ugly. Leave it.

Friday the 7th is a beauty. Morning glass: wind from the south at just 3 mph, with a 3ft SSW swell carrying a long 13-second period. The energy is moderate (378), and the surface is perfect. This is a standout. The long period suggests the waves will have shape, but at a beach/reef spot, they might break a little straight. Still, this is the best of the early run.

Saturday the 8th – a tease. Clean cross-off wind all day, but the swell is tiny (2ft to 3ft). The afternoon energy ramps up to strong (558), but the height is small. You can ride ‘em, but you’ll be scratching.

Sunday the 9th – rough. Cross-onshore, messy, small.

Monday the 10th through Wednesday the 12th is a big, angry swell. We’re talking 11ft to 15ft of SSE and S swell, with very strong energy (2400 to 4300). The wind is cross-onshore and howling. This is a dangerous, blown-out mess. For a beginner spot, it’s a no-go. For experts, it’s a battle. This looks like a kite-surfing show.

Thursday morning, 13 August – this is the big one. 10ft swell from the ESE, 11-second period, and the wind is offshore from the NNE at 9 mph. The combined energy is very strong (2027). The call is for excellent conditions for experienced surfers. This is the one to chase. The swell direction is close to the optimum (S), and the wind is clean. That’s 10ft, so it’s expert-only. The crowd is “sometimes,” so you won’t be alone, but it’s worth it.

Friday the 14th – swell still up (7ft to 8ft from the E), but the wind is cranking, especially in the afternoon. The morning has a clean cross-off, but with 18 mph winds, it’s bumpy.

Saturday the 15th – a nice recovery. The afternoon goes glassy with a 5ft easterly swell, 9-second period, and moderate energy (404). Clean, fun, and wide-open.

Sunday the 16th onward – the energy drops, winds go onshore, and the last week is quiet. Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th see the swell jump back up (8ft from the S), but the wind is cross-shore, and the period is short on the 18th (7 seconds) – that’s a weak, choppy wave. The 19th morning has a long 12-second period, so better push, but still cross-shore.

The top picks: Friday morning, 7 August for the clean, glassy, long-period waves, and Thursday morning, 13 August for the big, offshore, powerful session. The long-range call for the 13th is promising, but not locked in.

Rusty.

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