La Caffrine Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way.

We’ve got a good run of surf ahead, but there’s a bit of a gap right at the start. The first real opportunity to get wet is Wednesday morning, August 12th. The water is sitting at 77°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – you won’t be needing a thick wetsuit.

The standout is undoubtedly Saturday, August 15th. Early morning at La Caffrine, we’re looking at a clean 6ft S swell with a period of 20 seconds. That’s long-period groundswell, bringing real power and shape. The wind is glassy, and the combined wave energy is pumping at a solid 5275 (moderate to strong). This is the pick of the fortnight for experienced surfers looking for quality. By Saturday afternoon, the swell jumps to 8ft, but it goes onshore, messing up the face.

Sunday, August 16th morning is another cracker. An 8ft SSW swell, 16-second period, and glassy conditions. The energy is still high at 3934. This is big, powerful surf – only for those with the skills to handle it.

Wednesday, August 19th afternoon brings a nice surprise. The wind backs right off to glass, and a 5ft SSE swell with a 13-second period rolls in. The energy is moderate at 1160, and it’s clean. A solid session for the intermediate crowd.

After that, the swell drops right off. Thursday the 20th and Friday the 21st see small, clean waves – 3ft to 4ft – perfect for a longboard or a fun board, but nothing to get too excited about.

Then things get serious again. Saturday, August 22nd morning kicks off with a 10ft SSW swell, but the wind is onshore, and the forecast suggests it’s simply too big for this break. Saturday afternoon glassed off at 8ft, but again, it’s big. Sunday, August 23rd keeps the size up with a 7ft SSW swell in the afternoon, but the wind is cross-shore, making it a bit of a battle.

A warning for the final week: from Monday, August 24th through Wednesday, August 26th, we’re seeing massive swells. 10ft to 12ft, all from the SSW. The wind is cross-offshore, which is good, but the size is extreme. The wave energy is huge (6905 on Tuesday morning). This is big, dangerous water – expert-only territory. The commentary even says it’s too big for the break.

Thursday, August 27th morning finally sees it settle down to a manageable 5ft SSW swell with glassy conditions. A nice way to end the run.

If you’re a kitesurfer, look at the big days from the 22nd to the 26th – the strong cross-offshore winds and massive swell will be a playground, but for paddle surfing, it’s a stay-on-the-beach situation.

So, overall: the best bet is Saturday, August 15th morning for clean, powerful groundswell. Sunday, August 16th morning is a close second for size and glass. The second week is a wild ride with too much size for most, except the experts.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty.

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