Noordhoek Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get straight into what’s happening at our local reef.

We’ve got a proper mixed bag ahead, with some real firepower on the horizon, but plenty of wind and messy conditions to sift through first. The opening days are a write-off, so don’t bother paddling out until later in the week. The real standout is shaping up for Tuesday the 25th, but we’ve got to earn it through some pretty average stuff early on.

Friday 21st: We’re looking at a 8ft SW swell with a 12-second period, but the wind is onshore from the ESE at 9 mph. The water is a frigid 61°, which is a whopping 6° colder than usual for this time of year – that’s seriously unusual, so bring the thickest rubber you’ve got. The combined energy is strong (1420), but the conditions are marginal, and the score is low. It’s not worth the hassle.

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd: Forget it. Saturday has a near gale from the WSW at 31 mph, with a 8ft SW swell. The wave energy is huge (1427), but the wind is cross-off and howling, making it a total mess. Sunday is a little cleaner with a moderate breeze, but the swell is still a solid 8ft (1542 energy), and it’s still not good enough to get excited about. The scores are low.

Monday 24th: The morning session offers a bit of hope. A 7ft SW swell (12 seconds) with a light cross-off breeze (1180 energy). The guidance says “expect very good surf conditions,” but the score is only a 3. It’s rideable, but not the pick. The afternoon turns to crap with a cross-shore chop.

Tuesday 25th – THE STANDOUT: This is the one. Tuesday morning, boys. A 10ft SW groundswell with a long 14-second period, and the wind is glassy from the WSW at just 3 mph. The combined energy is a massive 3558, and the conditions are described as “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers” with a score of 4. This is a proper, powerful, clean reef wave. The long period means it’ll be a bit more lined up and offer longer lulls between sets, making the paddle out easier. But at 10ft, this is for experienced surfers only – beginners will be in over their heads. The offshore wind is a major positive, giving us pristine, glassy faces. The afternoon gets a light cross-on breeze, so get it in the morning.

Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th: The wind swings onshore and freshens up from the east, ruining what could have been good. The swell stays big (8ft to 10ft, energy around 2700-2900), but it’s blown out and lumpy. Not worth it.

Friday 28th: The morning has a glassy 5ft S swell (12 seconds, 820 energy) with a score of 3. It’s clean and small, a good option for a quieter session after the big Tuesday. The afternoon gets choppy again.

Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th: Small surf on Saturday (3ft), but Sunday brings a massive 18ft WSW swell with a near gale (7082 energy). The wind is cross-off, but the swell is way too big and out of control for this reef. The guidance even says it’s “too big for this break.” Don’t even think about it.

Monday 31st: Another solid option. A 10ft SW swell (11 seconds, 2039 energy) with a light cross-off breeze from the WSW. The score is 4, and conditions are rated excellent for experienced surfers. Clean, powerful, and less crowded than the Tuesday peak. This is a strong second-best option.

September 1st to 5th: The surf drops off and the wind turns nasty again. The first week of September is a write-off with onshore gales, messy cross-chop, and small, weak swell. The last few days (5th) see tiny 2ft waves with almost no energy (117 and 60). It’s a total flat spell to end the forecast.

So, the bottom line: Tuesday 25th August is the absolute best chunk of swell and wind we’ve got. Get on it early. Monday 31st August is a solid backup. Everything else is either too small, too windy, or too big for this spot.

Rusty, signing off.

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