Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let me have a look at what’s on the table for Raffs Beach over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a real beast of a swell rolling in on Tuesday the 14th. That morning, a solid 15ft SW groundswell with a long 15-second period is going to be pumping in, and the combined wave energy is a massive 13334 – that’s serious power. But here’s the catch: that’s too much size for this spot. It’s a beginner-friendly break, and at that size, it’s washing through. The wind is a cross-off from the WNW, so it’s clean, but honestly, only the most experienced crew should even paddle out, and even then, it’s pushing it. The afternoon cleans up a bit to 12ft, but the wind swings cross-on and it gets lumpy. Not the day for a fun session.

Wednesday the 15th drops down to a more manageable 8ft, still with a nice long period, but the wind is a bit messy – cross-off in the morning, then a cross-shore in the afternoon. The wave energy is still high, in the 1800-2000 range, but the conditions are just marginal. You’ll get some waves, but it’s not going to be memorable.

Now, Thursday the 16th is where it starts to get interesting. We’ve got 7ft of SW groundswell, and the wind goes glassy – and I mean glassy, both morning and afternoon. The period holds at 14-15 seconds, wave energy is over 2000, and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is a standout morning and afternoon. The water temp is 56°, which is about average for this time of year, so no shock there. The swell is a bit big for beginners, but anyone with a bit of experience is going to have a ball. Clean, lined-up waves.

Friday the 17th keeps the quality up. The morning is clean with a cross-off NW wind, and 6ft SW swell at a very long 16-second period. Wave energy is still high at 2245. The afternoon sees it bump to 7ft with a 17-second period and a light cross-shore. It’s a bit more wind-affected in the afternoon, but the morning is a solid pick.

By Saturday the 18th, the swell starts to fade. 5ft in the morning with a clean offshore N wind, dropping to 4ft in the afternoon. Wave energy is down to 877. It’s still good fun, clean conditions, but the power is dropping out. Sunday the 19th is even smaller, with 3ft in the morning and 2ft in the afternoon. Light winds, clean, but you’re hunting for the smaller waves.

Then we hit a real lull from about Monday the 20th through to Thursday the 23rd. Swell sizes are tiny, mostly under 3ft, wave energy is below 350. It’s clean, but flat. There’s a gap of around four days here where the surf is just not worth the effort unless you’re on a longboard and just want to bob around.

Friday the 24th sees a bit of a pulse. The swell jumps back to 5ft, with a strong offshore N wind at 19 mph. That fresh offshore breeze will keep it clean, but the wave comment says marginal due to tide. Wave energy is around 900. It’s a possibility, but not a standout.

Saturday the 25th is a write-off. Same size, but the wind goes cross and then cross-on, and it’s choppy. Poor conditions.

Sunday the 26th is back to small, clean surf, 3ft, and then Monday the 27th is small again with fresh offshore wind. Not much to get excited about.

Then, on Tuesday the 28th, we get another little spike. 4ft SW swell, clean cross-off wind, wave energy at 678. The morning looks very good, but the afternoon sees a light onshore wind and the conditions drop off. Could be a fun morning session if you’re keen.

The very end of the forecast, Wednesday the 29th, is a mess with strong onshore winds and poor conditions.

So, to sum it up: the absolute best bet in this 16-day window is Thursday the 16th at Raffs Beach. You’ve got a solid 7ft SW groundswell, a very long 15-second period, and glassy conditions all day. The wave energy is strong (2132), and it’s clean, powerful, and well-shaped. Just be aware the size is a bit much for a true beginner. If you can handle it, that’s your day.

The second standout is Friday morning the 17th. 6ft, 16-second period, clean cross-off wind. It’s a touch smaller but still has plenty of punch.

After that, it’s a waiting game for the next pulse around the 24th, but with the fresh wind, it’s not as clean as the Thursday/Friday window.

Rusty

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