Hout Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Hout Bay. It’s a tricky start, so don’t rush down there just yet.

The first few days are a write-off. Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th are a complete mess – strong cross-onshore winds and big, ugly swell. The wave energy is massive (3295 to 2957), but it’s all for nothing with those conditions. Tuesday the 11th is still marginal, with light cross-onshore wind and a 6 ft to 5 ft swell from the SSW. The energy is still moderate (1502 to 1448), but the quality isn’t there.

Now, Wednesday the 12th is where things start to get interesting. The morning is still a bit cross-on, but the afternoon turns glassy. That 6 ft SW groundswell with an 18-second period is proper – long lines and real push. The energy is strong (2384) and the glassy conditions will make it clean. This is a standout for experienced surfers, but the 6 ft height is manageable for a confident intermediate. It’s a breakwater, so expect that long-period swell to wrap in nicely. The water temperature is about average for this time of year.

Thursday the 13th sees a jump in size to 8 ft from the SW, with a 17-second period. The morning has a cross-off wind, so it’ll be clean, but the wave energy is very high (3782). That’s getting into expert territory, especially on a breakwater.

Friday the 14th through Sunday the 16th offers a more manageable run. Expect 6 ft to 7 ft WSW swell with periods dropping from 15 to 13 seconds. Winds are mostly cross-off or light, keeping things clean. The energy is moderate (1180 to 1641). Good, fun waves without the chaos. Friday afternoon and Saturday look particularly nice with light breezes.

Then we hit a serious pulse. Monday the 17th of August brings a 10 ft WSW groundswell with a 16-second period. The morning is glassy – that’s a stunning combination. Wave energy is enormous (4872). This is only for experienced surfers. The afternoon gets a cross-shore wind, so get on it early. Tuesday the 18th is still solid at 7 ft, glassy in the morning, and much more friendly.

Wednesday the 19th is another standout for the more experienced crowd. You’ve got 8 ft SW swell, period dropping to 10 seconds, but with offshore winds all day. Clean conditions and solid size. The energy is moderate (1481 to 1370), but the quality will be there.

After that, Thursday the 20th turns onshore and messy again. Friday the 21st morning goes glassy with a 6 ft SSW swell, but the energy is dropping (958). Saturday the 22nd sees another big SW pulse – 10 ft with a 16-second period – but the wind is cross-off, so it’ll be clean. That’s one for experts again.

Sunday the 23rd and Monday the 24th close out the run with onshore wind and big, messy swell. Not worth it.

The best of the whole period is Wednesday the 12th afternoon – glassy, long-period groundswell, and clean. The second standout is Monday the 17th morning for the big-swell crew. Everything else is a waiting game or for the brave.

Rusty.

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