Hout Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for Hout Bay over the next couple of weeks.

First up, the water temp is sitting at 57°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – a solid 3° chillier than average, so don’t forget the thick rubber.

The pattern starts off with some serious size but pretty ugly conditions. Thursday the 6th has a meaty 12ft SW swell (13 second period) but the wind is on it, so it’s a write-off. Friday the 7th isn’t much better with that cross-shore wind messing up the 10ft to 12ft SW groundswell (14 seconds). The energy is massive (over 4000) but the quality just isn’t there.

The standout window is Saturday morning, the 8th of August. That’s when we get a clean 8ft SW swell with a 13-second period, light offshore wind from the NNW, and the wave energy is solid at 2340. This is the pick of the first week – excellent conditions for experienced surfers. The breakwater setup at Hout Bay handles this size well, and it’s an inconsistent spot, so don’t expect it to pump every day, but when it’s on, it’s on. Crowds are possible here.

After that, things go flat and windy for a few days. Sunday the 9th through Tuesday the 11th is a write-off with strong onshore winds and dropping swell. You’re looking at a gap of 3 days with no real surf on offer.

We get a glimmer on Wednesday the 12th. A 6ft SW groundswell with a very long 18-second period rolls in, and the morning is glassy. That’s a beautiful combo for the breakwater, but the long period might make it a bit straight at times. Still, it’s the second-best window. The energy is 2322, so it’s got some punch.

Thursday the 13th afternoon turns glassy again with a 7ft WSW swell (16 seconds), and the energy is 1896. Very good, clean conditions.

Then we have a lull on Friday the 14th with smaller waves, but it picks up again. The big one to circle is Monday the 17th of August. Both morning and afternoon see 10ft WSW groundswell (14-15 seconds) with light offshore winds from the NNW and NW. The energy is through the roof (4296 morning, 3512 afternoon). This is expert territory – over 8ft, so it’s only for the experienced crew. It’s a long-range promise, so keep an eye on it, but it looks like a serious session.

Tuesday the 18th gets blown out by strong winds, and the rest of the window fades into messy cross-onshore conditions through the 21st. The 20th of August has an 8ft swell but a near-gale wind, so no go.

Overall, Saturday the 8th morning is the true standout for the first week, and Monday the 17th is the one to watch for the second week. The breakwater is inconsistent, so when it lines up, you paddle out.

Rusty.

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