Fish Hoek Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Fish Hoek over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a bit of a wait on our hands. The first real worthwhile surf doesn’t kick in until Saturday morning, July 18th. The water temp is sitting right around average for this time of year at Fish Hoek, so no surprises there.

Saturday the 18th is a solid start. We’re looking at a clean 3 ft swell from the SW with a moderate 9-second period, and a light NNW cross-off breeze. The combined energy is moderate (329), but it’s clean and rideable. The afternoon picks up a touch, with a 3 ft SW swell, but the period stretches to 12 seconds, giving it a bit more punch (410 energy). The wind swings NW and goes offshore, making for some tidy, gentle lines. It’s a nice little session.

Sunday the 19th is a bit of a mixed bag. The morning has a 4 ft SW swell and 12-second period, but the wind is a bit more cross-off, and the conditions are labelled as marginal. The afternoon sees the swell bump to 5 ft, but the wind turns cross-shore, chopping it up a bit. It’s a pass for me.

Now, Monday morning, July 20th, is a beauty. Glassy conditions with a 4 ft SSW swell at 9 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (300), but that dead calm wind makes it worth the paddle. The break is fairly consistent, but it can get crowded, so get there early.

The real standout of the whole forecast is Tuesday, July 21st. Tuesday morning, we’ve got glassy conditions again with a 4 ft SSW swell, but the period is a very long 14 seconds. That’s pure groundswell energy, and it’s going to wrap in nicely. The combined energy is strong (653). Then Tuesday afternoon, hold onto your boards. The swell jumps to 5 ft from the SW, still with a 13-second period, offshore wind from the WNW, and a very good surf call. The combined energy is a hefty 899. This is the pick of the week. The wave quality will be excellent, but that longer period will mean longer lulls between sets, so choose your entry wisely.

Wednesday the 22nd gets a bit chunky. The swell hits 7 ft from the SW, but the wind is a moderate cross-off from the NNW, and the conditions are marginal. It’s still clean, but that’s getting into expert-only territory for a beach break like Fish Hoek. The power is there (1320 energy), but it’s a session for the experienced crew.

Thursday the 23rd is a redemption day. A 5 ft SW swell, 12-second period, clean cross-off wind, and the afternoon gets a very good rating with a 5 ft swell and 11-second period, combined energy of 1126. Solid.

After that, the wheels come off a bit. Friday the 24th sees a big 8 ft SW groundswell with a 15-second period, but the wind goes cross-onshore from the SSE, making it messy and poor. The energy is massive (2770), but it’s not a paddle surfer’s wave. This setup looks more interesting for the kite crew than us.

Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th are a write-off. Onshore winds and poor conditions with a dropping swell. The energy is still strong through the weekend, but the wind is ruining it.

We get a small window again on Tuesday the 28th. A 3 ft SW swell, 13-second period, with a cross-off breeze in the morning, and then the afternoon goes offshore with a clean 3 ft SSW swell (327 energy). It’s small, but clean.

The final decent call is Thursday the 30th of July. A 3 ft SW swell with a very long 16-second period and a clean offshore breeze. It’s small, but those long lines will be glassy and fun.

Overall, the clear standouts are Tuesday the 21st and Thursday the 23rd. Don’t miss those.

Rusty.

Read more