Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what’s coming our way at Raffs Beach. We’ve got a massive pulse of energy hitting the coast, but it’s a mixed bag - plenty of power, but you’ll need to pick your moments to avoid the closeouts or getting cleaned up.

The main story is a huge and powerful SW groundswell running through the first few days. We’re looking at a whopping combined swell energy of 19,586 (very strong) on Wednesday the 9th with 15 ft faces out of the SW, but that’s paired with a 19 mph cross-on breeze. That’s too much juice for most; the water temp is 56°, just about average for the time of year. By Thursday morning the 10th, it’s still big at 10 ft (combined energy 5,151) but the wind drops to a manageable 9 mph. Still cross-on though, so it’ll be lumpy. For experienced surfers only. The real window opens Saturday the 12th. We’ve got clean conditions with light cross-off breezes (6-3 mph), solid 7-7 ft SW swell and 15-second period. The wave energy (2,347) is moderate-strong and the quality is excellent for those who can handle it. This is your standout. Sunday the 13th is also choice: offshore winds from the N at 12 mph, clean faces of 4-5 ft, and that nice long 14-15 second period from the SW. It’s cleaner but smaller. Great for a long session without the paddle battle.

There’s a bit of a lull through Monday the 14th and Tuesday the 15th as the swell drops back. Then another pulse arrives Wednesday the 16th (6 ft, SW, 14s) with near-calm winds (3 mph from the NE) - another excellent call for experienced crew. The 17th stays clean with offshore NW winds but the size is dropping. The 18th gets messy again with building 10 ft swell and strong onshore wind – best left for another day. After that, we settle into a decent run from the 19th to the 20th with clean 6-5 ft surf and offshore winds. The 20th Sunday is a solid option with a clean 4 ft SW swell and a longer 16-second period. The very end of the window, around the 24th, shows another sweet setup with offshore N winds and clean 6 ft, 15-second groundswell. That’s a long way out though – promising, but not a sure bet yet.

A quick note on this spot: it’s exposed to the SSW and we’re seeing mostly SW swells here, so it’s in the ballpark. But with the size we’re talking, this is definitely not a beginner wave, especially mid-week. If the wind gets onshore and the swell is over 8 ft, think kite surfing rather than paddle.

Stay safe, pick your window, and I’ll see you in the water.

Rusty.

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