Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve got a proper look at the charts for the next couple of weeks. Right now, the swell is already showing up, and we’ve got a solid run of good surf coming our way, especially at the start. The water’s sitting at 55°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The window kicks off Saturday, August 1, with clean, offshore winds from the NNE at 9 mph. The swell is 4 ft from the SW, with a period of 12 seconds, and the combined energy is a moderate 821. It’s not massive, but it’s a nice, easy wave for a beginner, and the conditions are glassy. This is a standout for the first few days.

Sunday, August 2, keeps the good times rolling. The wind is still offshore from the N, now 16 mph, and the swell pushes up to 6 ft with a 16-second period. The energy jumps to 1537, so you’re getting a proper groundswell here. The waves are clean and lined up, but at 6 ft, it’s starting to get a bit too much for total beginners. The morning is the pick.

By Monday, August 3, the wind swings cross-offshore from the WNW, and the swell drops back to 4 ft. The energy is still decent at 1295, but the wind is a bit stronger at 22 mph, so the surface won’t be as smooth. Not a write-off, but not the best of the run.

Tuesday, August 4, things get messy. The wind goes cross-shore and then cross-onshore, the swell bumps up to 6 ft, but with rain showers and a moderate breeze, it’s choppy and not worth paddling out. Wednesday and Thursday look similar, with small, weak swell and onshore winds.

Friday, August 7, is a redemption day. The wind goes light and clean, cross-offshore from the NNW at just 3 mph, and the swell is 4 ft from the SW with a 16-second period. The energy is back up to 1081, and the conditions are clean. This is a beauty for an experienced surfer. The afternoon is even better, with 5 ft swell and a light breeze from the ENE. That’s a real standout.

Saturday, August 8, the offshore winds return from the NNE at 16 mph. The swell is 4 ft, but the wind is moderate, so it’s clean but not as glassy. Still a decent session.

From Sunday, August 9, through to the middle of the week, the wind gets strong. It’s offshore, but at 22 to 25 mph, it’s hard to paddle into, and the swell drops off. Then Monday, August 10, the wind turns onshore and strong, killing the waves completely.

Now, Tuesday, August 11, is a different story. The swell jumps to 7 ft from the WSW, with a 16-second period, and the energy is a whopping 2073. The wind is light cross-shore, so it’s clean, but at 7 ft, it’s expert territory. The afternoon sees the swell hit 10 ft with an energy of 6060, and the wind is glassy. That’s a huge, powerful groundswell, but it’s too big for this break. Only for the very best.

Wednesday, August 12, the swell is still big at 7 ft, with a 14-second period and energy of 3206. The wind is light cross-offshore from the WNW, so it’s clean and lined up. This is a standout for experts.

After that, from Thursday, August 13, through to Saturday, August 15, the wind is onshore and strong, with rain, and the swell is dropping. It’s messy and not worth it.

The final entry is Sunday, August 16, with a light, glassy wind from the E. The swell is 4 ft from the SW, with a 16-second period, and the energy is 705. It’s a clean, easy wave to finish the run.

So, the best on offer is Saturday, August 1, and Friday, August 7, for the overall quality, and Tuesday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 12, for the big, powerful groundswell. The first week is the real winner here.

Rusty.

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