Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright crew, Rusty here again.

We’re looking at Raffs Beach, and the next couple of weeks are a real mixed bag with a solid pulse of swell early on, but conditions aren’t always playing nice. The water temp is sitting at 55°F, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real action kicks off Tuesday morning, August 11th, with a 4ft SW groundswell rolling in at a long 14 seconds. The wind is a cross-off NW breeze, keeping things clean. The combined energy is moderate at 822. Not a massive day, but a solid start. By Tuesday afternoon, the swell bumps up to 5ft from the SW, period still 14 seconds, and the wind swings offshore from the NNW. That’s a clean look with moderate wave energy (974), and it’s shaping up for some very good surf.

Wednesday the 12th sees a jump in size. Morning brings 7ft SW swell with a very long 16-second period, and the energy is strong at 2566. Wind is cross-off from the WNW, so it’s clean. But the size is getting up there, getting a bit much for beginners. Wednesday afternoon is similar, 8ft SW, 16 seconds, energy at 2659, still clean.

Now, Thursday the 13th morning is the standout. Swell hits 10ft from the SW, 16-second period, and the energy is cranking at 4005. That’s a lot of water moving. Problem is, the guidance says it’s predicted to be too big for this break. Wind is cross-off from the WNW, but honestly, this is expert territory only. The afternoon eases to 8ft, but the wind goes cross-shore, not ideal.

Friday the 14th stays big at 8ft SW, 16 seconds, but the wind is onshore or cross, so the quality drops. The energy is still strong (3759 and 3059), but it’s messy. By Saturday the 15th, the swell is dropping to 8ft, but onshore winds ruin it. A bit of a dud.

Sunday the 16th is a sweet spot. Morning glass-off conditions with a light ESE breeze, swell down to 6ft SW, 14 seconds, and energy at 1205. The report says excellent surf for experienced surfers. That’s a clean, glassy morning with decent waves. This is your best bet for the first week.

The second week is much smaller but more consistent. From Monday the 17th through to Wednesday the 26th, we’re mostly looking at waist-to-chest high SW swell, between 2ft and 4ft, with tons of clean, offshore wind days. The energy is low to moderate (mostly under 900). The highlight of the second week is probably Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd, with 4ft to 4ft SW swell, 14-16 seconds, and clean offshore NNW winds. It’s not big, but it’ll be clean and fun for a longboard or a fish. Crowds are possible here, so keep that in mind.

Don’t get too excited about the last few days of the month. The 25th and 26th have some weak swell and strong winds, but the 26th afternoon shows a sudden jump to 8ft WSW with a short 8-second period and energy at 1025. That’s a windswell, not a groundswell, and it’s likely to be a choppy, lumpy mess. Might be more for the kite surfers than paddle-in.

Overall, the standout is Thursday the 13th for the sheer size and power, but it’s for experts only. For the best combination of clean conditions and rideable waves, point your board at Sunday morning the 16th.

Rusty.

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