Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. Raffs Beach is the only break in the game, and it’s a mixed bag over the next two weeks. The first few days are about waiting for the swell to back off, then a solid window opens up, followed by a run of smaller but cleaner waves. There’s a big gap later on with sketchy conditions, so patience is key.

The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual.

Let’s start with Thursday, August 13th. The swell is pumping a solid 10ft from the SW, with a long 16-second period, but it’s just too big for Raffs Beach – that’s a lot of energy (4482) and it’s only for the brave. By Friday morning, August 14th, it drops to 8ft from the SW, still a long 16-second period, and the wind is a gentle cross-off from the WNW. The combined energy is still strong (3483), but this is where it gets good for experienced surfers. The conditions are clean, and the break is fairly consistent, so it’s a standout if you’ve got the skills.

Saturday, August 15th, is a write-off with onshore winds and messy surf. Sunday, August 16th, shows a big improvement: 5ft from the SW, 14-second period, and a light ENE cross-off wind. The combined energy is moderate (949), and it’s clean with clear skies. This is a solid option for all levels, and the break is fairly consistent, so crowds are possible but not a dealbreaker.

Monday, August 17th, stays clean with 4ft from the SW, 14-second period, and light ENE cross-off winds. The energy is moderate (688), and the surf is good. Tuesday, August 18th, has a morning session with 4ft from the SW, 14-second period, but a moderate NNE breeze (16 mph) keeps it clean. The afternoon is even better: 3ft from the SW, 16-second period, and a gentle offshore from the NNE. The energy is moderate (578), and the conditions are clean – a nice little window for a mellow session.

From Wednesday, August 19th, the swell drops to 2ft, and while the wind is offshore, the surf is poor. This continues through to Thursday, August 20th, with 3ft to 4ft but fresh offshore winds making it uncomfortable. The energy is moderate (651-736), but the surf quality is marginal.

Friday, August 21st, is a mixed bag: morning is marginal with light cross-shore winds, but the afternoon has a light cross-off from the ENE, 4ft from the SW, 14-second period, and clean conditions. The energy is moderate (569), and it’s worth a look.

Saturday, August 22nd, has 5ft from the SW, 14-second period, but fresh WNW cross-off winds (19 mph) make it choppy. The energy is moderate (1013), but the surf is marginal. Sunday, August 23rd, is poor with strong winds and rain.

Monday, August 24th, shows 5ft to 6ft from the SW, with fresh cross-off winds and moderate energy (1316-1591), but it’s still marginal. The real standout in the second week is Tuesday, August 25th, but it’s too big again: 12ft from the WSW, 14-second period, with a combined energy of 7210. That’s massive, and for a beginner-friendly spot like Raffs Beach, it’s just too much.

Wednesday, August 26th, is poor with onshore winds and messy surf. Thursday, August 27th, has 4ft from the SW, 17-second period, but light cross-onshore winds mean it’s marginal. The energy is moderate (1266-1190). Friday, August 28th, ends the outlook with 3ft from the SW, 15-second period, light cross-off winds from the NE, and clean conditions. The energy is moderate (681), and it’s a pleasant way to finish.

The best of the bunch? Friday morning, August 14th, for the experienced crew, and Sunday morning, August 16th, for everyone else. Otherwise, the small windows on Tuesday afternoon, August 18th, and Friday afternoon, August 21st, are worth a paddle.

Rusty.

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