Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at the forecast for Raffs Beach.

We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but by Sunday morning, the 19th of July, we’re in business. A nice, clean 3ft SW swell rolling in with a 12-second period and a light offshore breeze from the north. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so nothing to complain about. The combined energy is a modest 345, so it’s not a powerhouse, but it’s a fun, manageable wave. Sunday afternoon gets even better: the wind goes glassy, the swell drops to 2ft, and it’s coming from the ideal direction – straight out of the SSW. This is a real treat for a beginner-friendly spot like Raffs.

Monday the 20th keeps the good times coming with a morning session of 3ft SW swell and a 16-second period. That’s a proper groundswell, giving you long, clean lines. The wind stays offshore and the energy bumps up to 396. By Tuesday the 21st, we’re looking at the standout of the entire run. Morning swell hits 4ft from the SW, period drops slightly to 14 seconds, but the energy jumps to a solid 540. The wind is light offshore, and the waves are forecast to be very good. With a moderate crowd, it’s not empty, but it’s not a zoo either. This is the day to call in sick.

Wednesday the 22nd gets a bit tricky. The morning has a 3ft SW swell, but a cross-off wind from the NNW at 12 mph keeps things clean. The energy is weak at 271. The afternoon sees a jump to 5ft, but the wind goes cross-shore and the energy rockets to 1241 – that’s a lot of juice, but it’s messy with a cross-chop. Not our best.

Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th are for experts only. The swell is 10ft to 13ft, with massive energy readings of 5956 and 8143. The wind is cross or cross-onshore, and the wave comment says it’s too big for this break. The setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing. Leave the log at home.

We get a bit of a reprieve on Saturday the 25th, but at 7ft to 7ft, it’s still hefty for a beginner spot, and the cross-shore wind creates a slight chop. Sunday the 26th is a solid return to form: 5ft SW swell, light offshore wind, and a clean, glassy surface. Energy is 683 – moderate, but the quality is there.

The second week is a mixed bag. Monday the 27th has a fresh offshore breeze, but the swell is only 4ft to 5ft, and the energy is moderate. Tuesday the 28th is another big one, with a 13ft WSW swell pumping in at an insane 11593 energy – that’s a full-on, expert-only swell. Wednesday the 29th is a bit more manageable at 8ft, but the wind goes cross-onshore in the afternoon, ruining it.

From Thursday the 30th of July onwards, it’s a write-off. Onshore winds, thick chop, and dropping swell sizes. The energy falls off a cliff, and the conditions are poor for paddle surfing. Even the long-period groundswell on the 2nd of August (21-second period!) can’t save it, because the wind is onshore. The one bright spot way down the line is Monday the 3rd of August: a 4ft SW swell with a 17-second period, and the wind is dead calm – glassy as it gets. That’s a promising little nugget, but it’s a long way off, so keep your fingers crossed.

So, the bottom line: the best surf is on Tuesday the 21st of July. If you can’t make that, Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th are also excellent. The rest of the first week has some punchy stuff for the brave, and the second week is mostly a dud with one very distant, glassy hope.

Rusty.

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