Noordhoek Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, mate, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s on the cards for us over the next couple of weeks.

The main story is a solid, extended run of SW groundswell, but it’s not all smooth sailing. The water temperature is sitting at 59.4°, which is a whopping 7.0° colder than usual for this time of year. That’s a very unusual chill, so don’t forget a thick wetsuit and booties. The first few days are where the real magic is, with some glassy, clean windows for experienced surfers.

Our standout, without a doubt, is Noordhoek on Monday, August 17th, morning. The swell is coming in at 6.9 ft from the SW, with a solid 14-second period. The energy is very strong (1564), and what really makes it special is the 5 km/h SSW wind, which is dead glassy. The water is much colder than normal, but for a crew that can handle it, this is top-tier, clean reef surfing. The consistency is very consistent, which means you’ll get plenty of waves.

Monday afternoon turns a bit average as the wind swings to the SW and picks up to 20 km/h, creating a cross-shore chop. The swell builds to 7.9 ft, but the quality drops with a moderate breeze. Tuesday, August 18th, morning is a bit better with a clean cross-off breeze, but the swell is crossed up and the energy is moderate (1684). Tuesday afternoon sees the swell peak at 8.2 ft, but it’s another cross-shore session with a gentle chop.

Wednesday, August 19th, morning is another absolute beauty. Glassy conditions again, with a 5 km/h NNW wind, and a solid 8.2 ft SW swell at 12 seconds. The energy is very strong (2218), and it’s excellent for experienced surfers. Wednesday afternoon gets blown out by a 40 km/h WSW cross-off gale, which makes the 9.8 ft swell messy and unappealing.

Thursday, August 20th, morning is a big one—a 13.1 ft SW swell with a 13-second period, and the energy is massive (6007). The wind is a clean cross-off, but this is only for the experts. It’s too big for anyone else. Thursday afternoon drops to 11.5 ft, but a light cross-on wind puts a ripple on the face.

Friday, August 21st, morning sees the swell back down to 7.9 ft, and with a light 5 km/h W cross-off, it’s glassy and clean. Another excellent window for experienced surfers. Friday afternoon gets a moderate cross-off breeze, but it’s still clean.

Saturday, August 22nd, morning drops to 6.6 ft from the WSW, and the energy lowers to moderate (1498). It’s a clean session, but the swell is weaker. Saturday afternoon jumps back to 9.8 ft, but the cross-shore wind creates a chop.

Sunday, August 23rd, morning is a nice 8.2 ft SW swell, clean and glassy with a light cross-off wind. Good for the crew. Sunday afternoon fades to 6.9 ft, but the wind picks up to a cross-shore.

Moving into the second week, the pattern stays active but gets more mixed. Monday, August 24th, morning is a glassy killer with an 8.2 ft SW swell and a 5 km/h NE wind. Monday afternoon jumps to 9.8 ft, but the wind turns cross-shore. Tuesday, August 25th, morning is clean with an 8.2 ft swell, but the wind is a moderate cross-off. Tuesday afternoon is 9.8 ft with a gentle cross-shore.

Wednesday, August 26th is a write-off. A strong ENE wind creates lumpy, cross-on conditions, and the swell is crossed up. Thursday, August 27th, morning drops to 5.2 ft, so it’s getting small. Thursday afternoon is a bit better at 7.9 ft from the WSW, and it’s clean.

Friday, August 28th, morning is a glassy, 6.9 ft session with a 5 km/h E wind. Decent. Saturday, August 29th is mostly average with moderate winds and a cross-shore chop. Sunday, August 30th, morning throws a 13.1 ft windswell from the WSW, with a short period of 9 seconds and very strong energy (3602). It’s clean, but the period is short and the size is big. Sunday afternoon is a 16.4 ft monster, but it’s lumpy and cross-shore. Monday, August 31st, morning is the biggest of the run—14.8 ft from the SSW, with a 14-second period and massive energy (7652). It’s clean, but you’d need to be a full-on expert to handle it.

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