Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s happening at Raffs Beach over the next couple of weeks.

We’re stuck in a rough patch right at the start. Tuesday and Wednesday have solid 8ft to 11ft SW swell but the wind is howling onshore or cross-on, turning everything into a choppy mess. Wave energy is huge – 2158 to 3732 – but it’s not surfable. Thursday edges into marginal territory with 7ft to 6ft SW swell, but still cross-on or onshore, energy dropping to 1796. Not worth rushing out.

Friday 18th September is the first real window. Swell drops to 6ft from the SW, period around 13 seconds, and the wind swings cross-offshore from the NW and WNW, cleaning it up nicely. The water temp is about average for the season. Energy is moderate at 1902, but for a beginner-friendly spot like Raffs, this is when you want to be out. Saturday 19th is similar – 5ft SW, clean cross-off winds, but energy is down to 943 to 787, so the waves will be weaker and slower. Still a decent session.

Sunday 20th September morning has fresh offshore from the N, but the swell is only 4ft with low energy at 447. The afternoon, though, is a big one – a 13ft WSW swell rolls in with 5347 of energy, but the wind is cross-shore from the W at 30 km/h. The wave comment says it’s too big for this break, so unless you’re an expert, it’s more of a show than a surf.

Monday 21st is back to messy – 8ft to 10ft SW swell, onshore wind, energy up to 3825. Not good. Then Tuesday 22nd September morning is the standout: 8ft SW swell with a solid 15-second period, clean cross-off winds from the NE, and energy at 3148. The wave comment calls it excellent for experienced surfers – the swell direction matches the optimum SSW, and the long period will make it fat and powerful. Crowds are only “sometimes”, so you might score some empty waves. This is your pick.

Wednesday 23rd sees the swell dropping to 5ft with offshore and cross-off winds, decent energy at 881, and very good surf conditions. Thursday 24th is smaller at 3ft to 4ft, but glassy or light offshore – perfect for a longboard or a beginner session.

Friday 25th September morning is glassy with 5ft SW swell and 14-second period – super clean, energy at 804. The afternoon jumps to 5ft with a 17-second period, clean cross-off, and the wave comment says excellent for experienced surfers. Energy is up to 1579. That long period groundswell will be better for point or reef setups, but at Raffs it might be a bit straight – still, the conditions are prime.

Saturday 26th September morning is another standout: 8ft SW swell, 16-second period, clean cross-off, and energy at 4146. The afternoon gets even bigger – 10ft SW with a 19-second period and offshore NNW wind at 25 km/h, energy at 6316. The wave comment says it’s too big for this break, so only for the brave. Expect long waits between sets but plenty of power.

After that, it goes downhill – Sunday 27th brings rain and cross-on wind, Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th are all onshore and poor, and Wednesday 30th is marginal with light cross-shore wind and 6ft SW swell at 1319 energy. Not much to get excited about.

The two true standouts are Tuesday 22nd September morning and Friday 25th September afternoon – both offer clean, powerful SW swell with offshore or cross-off wind, decent period, and manageable crowds. Get out there if you can.

Rusty.

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