Devonport Rivermouth Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming up for Devonport Rivermouth. I’ll be straight with you – this stretch of the next 16 days is pretty grim for a paddle. The forecast is dominated by tiny, weak swell and a heap of rubbish wind conditions. For nearly the entire run, wave heights stay below 3ft with periods that are all over the shop, but not in a good way. The combined swell energy is mostly weak, sitting under 100, which tells you the ocean just doesn’t have any punch. There’s a long gap of nothing worthwhile from now until the 27th of August.

Let’s get into the details. From the 16th of August right through to the morning of the 27th, it’s a total write-off. We’re looking at wave heights mostly between 0.3ft and 3ft, with periods that are either super short (5–7 seconds) or long (14–17 seconds) but with no power behind them. The wind is all over the place – cross, cross-on, and onshore – and the water is going to be a mess. The combined energy barely cracks 100 most days, and the scores are a flat zero. This is a real bummer, especially for a spot that’s inconsistent at the best of times. It’s a point/river setup that needs a decent NW swell and offshore SSW wind to work, and we aren’t getting that.

The first real flicker of hope arrives on the afternoon of the 27th of August. The swell bumps up to 4ft from the NE with a period of 6 seconds, and the wind swings to a light cross-off from the S at 10 km/h. The combined energy jumps to 102 (moderate), and the conditions are clean. The score is still only a 1, but it’s “surfable waves.” It’s not going to be a classic, but it’s your first chance to get wet without it being a total chore. The 29th of August afternoon sees a similar story – 3ft from the NNW, 6-second period, light cross-off wind from the SE, and clean conditions with combined energy at 126. Again, just a 1 on the score, but it’s rideable.

Honestly, if you’re desperate for a wave, the pick of a very poor bunch is the 27th of August afternoon. The 4ft NE swell, clean conditions from a light cross-off breeze, and that moderate energy make it the only time the place looks like it might have a few fun, crumbly waves. It’s still small and short-period, so don’t expect a barrel, but for a beginner-friendly spot that’s inconsistent, this is the best you’ll get. Crowds are *sometimes* a factor here, so on a day like this, you might have a few others with the same idea.

For the rest of the period, it’s a hard pass. The 28th of August morning has a bigger combined energy of 217 with 3ft from the NNE and a 7-second period, but the wind is cross-off and the score is still zero – the conditions just don’t line up. There’s wind swell, but it’s not clean surf.

The long-range stuff around the 30th and 31st of August is even smaller, with 1.0ft and 0.3ft waves. Don’t bother.

So, the bottom line: Devonport Rivermouth is in a proper drought. The 27th of August afternoon is your only real window, and it’s not going to be epic. For a spot that’s already inconsistent, this blank run is a bit more normal than you’d hope, but forecasts can change. Keep an eye on it, but for now, I’d be finding something else to do.

Rusty.

Read more