Ketewel Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. It’s Rusty here, and I’ve been staring at the charts for this stretch of coast, and honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag for the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a serious window of solid, powerful swell coming in, but the wind and conditions are going to be the big story. This isn't a clean, easy run of waves; it’s one for the experienced crew who know this break.

Right off the bat, the real action kicks off on Monday, August 10th. We’ve got a strong groundswell filling in, with waves around 6ft from the south, but the period is a long 19 seconds. The energy is strong, with the combined swell energy coming in at 3336. The problem is the wind. It’s a cross-onshore from the southeast at 9 mph, which is going to put a bit of chop on the face. It’s not terrible, but it’s not glassy. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The swell builds through Monday afternoon and into Tuesday, August 11th, pushing up to a solid 10ft from the SSW. This is proper, powerful stuff. The energy jumps to 4753 and then 4447, so there’s a lot of push behind it. However, it’s right at that size where it’s only for the experts. The wind stays on it, from the SSE on Tuesday afternoon, which isn't ideal. Expect a heavy, challenging day at Ketewel.

Wednesday, August 12th, sees the swell ease a touch to 7ft, but it’s still from the SSW with a 17-second period. The energy is still moderate at 2683. The wind is still cross-onshore, so it remains a bit lumpy. This pattern of decent-sized, powerful swell but with onshore or cross-onshore winds holds through the rest of the first week and into the weekend. Thursday and Friday keep the 7ft to 8ft range, with the energy staying in the 2000-3000 range. It’s all rideable for the experienced, but it’s not going to be a smooth, clean surface.

Into the second week, the situation gets a bit messier. The swell drops a little, hovering around 5ft to 7ft, but the wind strengthens. By Monday, August 17th, we’re looking at poor conditions with a moderate cross-onshore breeze, and the surf quality takes a hit. The energy drops off too, down into the 800-900 range. This is where it gets less interesting for the paddle crew.

The long-range stuff, into the week of August 20th and beyond, is a real letdown. The swell picks back up a bit to 8ft, but the wind is blowing harder from the southeast at 12 mph, making it choppy and messy. The combined energy is still moderate, around 2500-3400, but with that wind, it’s going to be a battle. It looks more like a day for the kite surfers than anyone on a paddleboard. The conditions are just poor, plain and simple.

So, the standout window is really the first three days, from Monday, August 10th, through Wednesday, August 12th. The swell is big and powerful, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Ketewel is a reef break, and it’s inconsistent, so you’ll be waiting for sets, but when they come, they’ll have some real punch. The direction is from the SSW, which is in line with the optimum for this spot. The crowds are sometimes an issue here, so you might have some company on the peak.

The rest of the week is still rideable, but just not as clean. The second week looks like a write-off for good surf, with a few days of no real recommendations. The energy is still there, but the wind is just going to kill it. Keep an eye on it, but don't get your hopes up for that second week.

Alright, that’s the picture from here. Keep your wits about you if you’re paddling out for the big stuff, and maybe bring the kite gear for later on.

Rusty.

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