Ketewel Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s shaping up for Ketewel over the next couple of weeks.

Right now, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The water temp's sitting at about 80°, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so no surprises there. The first real surf we’ve got on the cards kicks off Sunday afternoon, August 23rd, but honestly, it’s not much to write home about. We’re looking at a SSW swell coming in at 6ft with a 15-second period – that’s a long-period groundswell, which for a reef setup like Ketewel can mean some nice lines, but the wind’s onshore from the SE at 12 mph, so it’ll be choppy. Energy’s pumping high, over 2000 (2072), but the quality’s just not there yet. This one’s a pass.

Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th August are a write-off. Cross-onshore winds, messy conditions, poor surf – don’t bother paddling out.

Wednesday 26th keeps the cross-onshore wind going. Swell drops to 5ft, energy fading to around 775-820. Still no good.

Now, Thursday 27th August is where we see a glimmer. Swell's smaller at 4ft, but the period jumps to 20 seconds in the afternoon with a light SSE breeze at 6 mph and the wind turning onshore but light. The energy reading is a solid 1858, which suggests some real punch for that size. This could be a sneaky clean session for the advanced crew – that long period at a reef can offer up some beautiful, lined-up waves, but it might feel a bit fat. It’s not a standout, but it’s the first half-decent window.

The real standout of the whole forecast lands on Friday 28th August. Morning sees a clean 8ft SSW swell, 16-second period, combined energy of 3069 – that’s strong, powerful stuff. The wind is cross-onshore from the SE at 9 mph, so there’s a little texture, but the afternoon cleans up with the wind turning onshore from the SSE at the same speed. This is solid, expert-level surf. 8ft is getting up there – this is for experienced surfers only. The swell direction (SSW) aligns nicely with Ketewel's optimum S direction, so expect some proper reef barrels. This is the best session of the whole two weeks, hands down.

After that, things go quiet again. Saturday 29th through to the end of the first week of September is mostly poor to marginal. Winds stay cross-onshore, swells hover between 4ft and 6ft, but the quality just isn't there. There are a few moments with light offshore or onshore breezes (like August 31st and September 2nd afternoons) that could offer a clean, smaller wave, but nothing firing.

To be honest, after the 28th, there’s a long dry spell. You’ll see some 5ft to 6ft swells, but the wind is never kind, and the conditions are always described as poor or marginal. The second week is a real slog – if you’re not surfing that Friday, you’re probably missing the only real window.

In summary: Friday 28th August is the day. Get out there for the morning session if you can handle it. Otherwise, keep an eye on Thursday 27th afternoon for a cleaner, smaller option. Rest of the time, leave the board at home.

Rusty.

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