Onrus Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming down the line for the next couple of weeks.

The early days are looking small but clean, a bit of a slow start with a few fun waves on offer. But don’t get too comfortable, because there’s a big pulse of energy coming, and it’s going to shake things up. We’ve got a couple of proper standouts in the mix, but also some proper messy periods where you’ll want to find something else to do.

First up, Onrus (Western Cape). Tuesday morning is your gentle introduction. We’ve got a clean 3ft of WSW swell with a 12-second period, and the light north wind is just cross-off. The water is a chilly 56°, and it’s much colder than normal for this time of year, so you’ll want the thick rubber. It’s a bit inconsistent, that’s the nature of this reef, but the energy is weak at 481, so it’s all about the clean lines, not raw power.

Tuesday afternoon goes glassy with the wind dropping out. Swell drops slightly to 3ft, and it’s pure, clean conditions. It’s a nice little window to get wet, but nothing to write home about. Wednesday is similar size, but the wind swings to a light cross-onshore, putting a few ripples on the face. It’s still surfable, but not as pretty.

Thursday is when things start to ramp up. The swell pushes to 7ft from the SW with a 15-second period, and the energy jumps to a strong 2061. However, the wind is cross-onshore, so it’s going to be bumpy and a bit wild. This is more of a challenge than a pleasure, and for the average punter, this is getting into the too-big and messy territory. Friday and Saturday are a write-off. The onshore wind is howling at 15-18 mph, and the swell is still solid and messy. This is when the coast looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing, to be honest.

Sunday sees the wind ease a bit, but it’s still cross-onshore and choppy, with a solid 6ft of SW swell. It’s not great. But then, Monday brings a lovely reprieve. The wind goes light and cross-off again, the swell settles to a clean 4ft, and the energy drops back. This will be a clean, fun day, with the better conditions in the morning. It’s not big, but it’ll be fun.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Tuesday the 15th is a real standout. The wind swings offshore and fresh, at 18 mph, grooming the face. The swell is a solid 4ft from the SW, but the period is a massive 26 seconds. This is very long-period groundswell, bringing amazing shape but also long gaps between sets. The energy is a very strong 2094. This is a proper session for the intermediate crew who know this reef.

But hold on, that afternoon is the one. The wind picks up to a strong 25 mph offshore, and the swell explodes to a solid 10ft from the SW with a 22-second period. The energy is a massive 8268. This is huge. The problem is, it's too big for this break. It says the wind and tide are favorable, but the swell is just too much. This is strictly for experts, and even then, it’s a serious paddle and a serious commitment. It’s promising, but you have to be a level above. After that, the ocean goes into a messy, windy, and rainy phase for a few days, with onshores and building swell. Gutted.

The week ahead improves slightly. Saturday the 19th cleans up with a cross-off wind and a fun 5ft of SW swell. It’s not huge, but it’ll be clean and fun. But the real highlight of the second week is Sunday the 20th. The morning is glassy, with a clean 5ft of SW swell on a 13-second period. The energy is moderate at 907, and it’s going to be proper. This is the one to pencil in. It’s clean, it has some push, and it’s a better size for the spot.

Don’t get too excited, though. From Monday the 21st onwards, the onshore wind is back in force, blowing 15-18 mph, and it’s bringing choppy, lumpy conditions with it. The swell stays around the 5ft to 8ft mark, but it’s just messy. There are a few windows in there, but nothing that’s going to get the heart racing.

So, to wrap it up: get on it early Tuesday morning, be ready for the monster on the 15th afternoon if you’re a gun, and mark Sunday the 20th as your best bet for a clean, fun session.

Stay stoked, and I’ll see you out there.

Rusty.

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