Onrus Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s been brewing for the Cape. We’re focusing on one spot only for this stretch, Onrus, and it’s a reef setup that’s got a bit of a reputation for being fickle.

To kick things off, the water temperature is sitting at 60°, which is a touch cooler than the long-term average for this time of year, but not so much that you’ll be shivering in your wettie. It’s a normal winter feel.

Now, the first real chance to get a wave with a bit of quality comes in on Monday, the 3rd of August. The morning session is looking pretty tidy. We’ve got a clean 5ft swell from the southwest, with a good 13-second period, and the wind is glassy out of the ENE. The combined energy is moderate (747). The swell is on the small side but the period is nice, and with glassy conditions, it’s going to be clean. This is a solid, quiet option for a paddle, though this break can be inconsistent, so don’t expect a set every two minutes.

The real standout, the one that’ll get your heart pumping, is Wednesday the 5th of August. Get on it. The morning sees a proper 7ft SW groundswell with a long 16-second period, and the wind is blowing offshore from the NW at 12 mph. The energy jumps up strong (1956). That’s a recipe for some powerful, well-shaped waves. The afternoon holds up just as well, with a 7ft SW swell, 15-second period, and fresh offshore wind from the WNW at 19 mph. This is the window for the crew who know what they’re doing. The swell is getting solid, and with that period, it’s going to be a heavy, drawn-out line at the reef. You’ll want to be experienced for this one.

After that, things get a bit hairy. Thursday the 6th through to the weekend, we’re looking at some serious size. Thursday morning has a 10ft SW swell with glassy conditions, but it’s too big for this break. The energy is very strong (2911). The same goes for Friday, with 10ft swells and cross-onshore winds that will make it a mess. This is when the setup looks more interesting for the kite crew than us paddle surfers.

The next half-decent window looks like it might be on the 11th of August. The afternoon is glassy with a 4ft SSW swell and a 12-second period, clean and quiet. But the energy is weak (486). It’s a small, clean mellow session if you’re desperate.

Then, on the 12th of August, there’s a very interesting late-arriving swell. Wednesday morning has a tiny 3ft swell, but the period is a massive 22 seconds from the SW. The energy is moderate (887). The afternoon gets a bit more size, 5ft, with a 20-second period, and the energy jumps up (1676). This is a very long period groundswell. It will be super clean with light offshore winds, but it’s one for the reef and point break connoisseurs. The waves will be fat and lined up, but the sets will be few and far between. It’s a promising, distant call.

From the 13th of August onwards, it’s back to massive, out-of-control swell, with 10ft waves and very strong energy, often too big for the break and with poor onshore winds. It’s a write-off for paddle surfing.

So, to boil it down: the best bets are the glassy morning on the 3rd for a gentle, clean start, and the absolute standout is Wednesday the 5th of August – that’s the one with the offshore wind and the solid southwest groundswell. Get after it if you can.

Rusty.

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