Ketewel Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s cookin’ for Ketewel. It’s a reef setup, exposed to the swell, and you’ll want a south direction in the water to get the most out of it. The water temp is sittin’ right on 80°, which is pretty much dead average for this time of year, so no surprises when you get in.

Right now and for the next several days, it’s a tough watch. We’ve got a long period SSW groundswell running, mostly around 5ft to 6ft, but the wind is blowing cross-on from the southeast nearly the whole time. That’s wrecking the surface, making it choppy and messy. The energy in the water is strong (1882) but the quality just isn’t there. Saturday the 22nd through to the morning of Thursday the 28th is a stretch of poor to marginal conditions at best. You’d be paddling your heart out for sloppy, blown-out waves and that just ain’t worth it.

Now, things start to look a little more interesting from Thursday afternoon the 28th onward. The wind shifts around to a light onshore from the south-southeast, and the swell bumps up – Thursday morning the 28th we’re lookin’ at 8ft of SSW groundswell with a period of 16 seconds. That’s a lot of energy (3465) and with the wind only a light breeze, the surface should be cleaner. Keep in mind, at 8ft this is getting into expert territory – it’s a solid reef break and you’ll need your wits about you. That long period will also mean longer lulls between sets, which can help you get out the back, but the waves will be powerful and lined up.

Friday the 29th holds similar promise with 8ft swell and lighter winds, still onshore but light. The energy stays high (2610). This is probably the pick of the whole outlook – not perfect, but the best we’re gonna get. After that, through the weekend and into the start of September, the swell drops back under 7ft and the onshore cross-wind returns, taking the shine off things.

There’s a little pulse again around the 1st and 2nd of September with 6ft to 7ft SSW swell and a bit more energy (2351 to 2414), but again, the cross-on wind will keep it from being stellar. You might score a few if you’re keen, but it’s not a flat-out standout.

As for crowds – this spot can get busy, so if you paddle out on the better days, especially the 28th and 29th, expect some company.

Overall, the best bet in this 16-day window is the morning of Friday the 28th of August into the 29th. That’s the size, the power, and the cleanest wind we’re going to see. It’s a long way out, so keep an eye on it, but it’s got potential. Be warned: it’s an advanced wave and not for the faint-hearted at that size.

Rusty.

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