Noordhoek Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of surf coming up at Noordhoek, but it’s a real mixed bag with a big gap later on. The water temp is 62°F, which is about 4°F colder than usual for this time of year—definitely noticeable, so suit up.

We start Monday, 31 August with a clean morning. Noordhoek (a reef break) is seeing a 6ft SW swell, 12-second period, with light cross-offshore wind from the WSW at 3 mph. The combined energy is 985, which is moderate. It’s looking good, and with the wind staying slight, expect clean waves. Crowds are sometimes there, but no issue early. By Monday afternoon though, the wind swings S at 9 mph, turning cross-on and chopping things up—surf drops to 6ft, and it’s marginal.

Tuesday, 1 September, is the standout for the first week. Morning glass: wind goes glassy from the SSW at 3 mph, with a 7ft SW swell at 12 seconds. The combined energy jumps to 1291, solid moderate. It’s going to be clean, punchy, and excellent. The wind stays light, and waves are well-shaped. Afternoon brings 8ft SW swell, but a cross-onshore wind from the SSE at 6 mph makes it tricky.

Wednesday, 2 September, morning is the pick for experienced surfers. A 10ft SW groundswell at 13 seconds rolls in, combined energy hitting 3436—strong. Light cross-offshore wind from the WSW at 6 mph keeps it clean. This is proper, powerful surf. Too big for beginners, but for the crew who know what they’re doing, it’s a treat. Afternoon stays big but gets cross-onshore.

Then Thursday, 3 September, it turns ugly. Strong onshore winds, rain, and messy surf—5ft to 7ft, combined energy drops but conditions are poor. This continues through Friday, Saturday, and into Sunday, 6 September, where a massive 16ft S swell at 18 seconds shows up, but with 28 mph onshore winds, it’s unsurfable. Kite surfers might have a look, but for paddle surfing, stay home.

Monday, 7 September, to Wednesday, 9 September, sees strong cross-onshore winds and dropping swell—small, messy, and not worth the paddle. A long gap in quality starts here.

There’s a brief glimmer on Thursday, 10 September, afternoon: glassy conditions and a 2ft SW swell at 13 seconds, combined energy 162. It’s surfable but not exciting. After that, another run of poor conditions with onshore wind and lumpy seas through the second weekend.

Monday, 14 September, morning offers a 7ft SW swell at 10 seconds, moderate cross-shore wind from the SW at 16 mph—marginal. Afternoon lightens up to 7ft with gentle cross-shore chop, but still not great.

Tuesday, 15 September, morning pumps an 18ft S swell, 10 seconds, but 12 mph cross-onshore wind from the E makes it a mess. Strong energy at 5883, but conditions are poor. Afternoon stays big and wind-affected.

To wrap it up: the best session in the whole 16-day window is Tuesday, 1 September morning—clean, glassy, 7ft SW swell. Wednesday, 2 September morning is the big-wave standout for experts. After that, it’s a long stretch of poor to ordinary conditions.

Rusty.

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