Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let's take a look at what's shaping up for Raffs Beach over the next couple of weeks.

We've got a bit of a slow start, to be honest. Right now through the early part of the period, there's some serious swell in the water, but it's just too much for this spot. We're talking 10 to 13 ft swell from the southwest, with wave energy readings hitting some massive numbers (6553, 6866, and even 11721 for Friday morning). That's a lot of power, and for a break that's rated for beginners, it's just not going to be any fun—it's a straight-up danger zone. The winds are mostly cross-shore and fresh, not doing the waves any favors either.

Things start to look a bit more realistic by Sunday afternoon, the 26th. We'll see the swell drop back to a more manageable 5 ft from the SW, with a long 11-second period. The wind goes light and cross-offshore, keeping things clean. The wave energy is way down to 525, which is weak, but after that earlier onslaught, this feels like a welcome breather. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th are a bit marginal – the swell hangs around 5 to 7 ft, but the wind gets messy again, and the tide or conditions just aren't lining up. The wave energy is moderate (between 613 and 2248), but the quality just isn't there.

Then we hit a real dud on the 29th of July. Wednesday brings a 13 ft SW swell, but the wind swings directly onshore from the south, and that's just a write-off. Poor conditions all day, with massive wave energy (6837 and 10370). Not worth paddling out, and honestly, maybe more interesting for the kite crew than us.

There's a glimmer on the 30th and 31st, with smaller 4 to 7 ft swells, and by Friday afternoon the 31st, we get a glassy day with zero wind and a clean 4 ft SW swell. Nice, but small and weak (309).

Now, here's where it gets a bit more interesting. The first weekend of August has some potential. Saturday the 1st has clean, cross-offshore winds and a 6 ft SW groundswell with a 15-second period. The wave energy is moderate (1646), and after lunch, conditions are saying "excellent for experienced surfers". That's a standout, but keep in mind a long-period swell like this can sometimes run a bit straight on a beach break. Still, it's clean and solid.

Sunday the 2nd is another real standout. A 6 ft SW groundswell with that same long 15-second period, but the wind goes completely glassy in the afternoon (0 mph from the SSW). That's about as clean as it gets. Wave energy is a solid 1455. For a surfer who knows what they're doing, this is the best bet of the whole outlook – uncrowded potential, clean faces, and proper groundswell.

The start of the next week holds up. Monday the 3rd is looking very good. Clean, offshore NNW winds at 6 mph, a 6 ft SW swell with a 14-second period, and moderate energy (1294). This is another excellent day for experienced surfers. Tuesday the 4th is still decent in the morning with offshore winds and 5 ft swell, though it gets a bit weaker in the afternoon.

The rest of the second week is a mixed bag. The swell hangs around 5 to 6 ft, but the wind is more cross-shore and the quality drops off. But hold on, Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th have some real promise. Thursday afternoon we get glassy conditions again with a 6 ft SW groundswell at 15 seconds (1535 energy). Then Friday morning the 7th is a cracker: 6 ft SW swell, a very long 16-second period, and light offshore winds from the north. Wave energy is up to 2102. That's another standout for the more experienced crew – clean, powerful, and consistent-looking.

So, if you're looking for the best windows, focus on the afternoon of Sunday the 2nd of August and the morning of Friday the 7th of August. Those are the real gems. The earlier part of the outlook is either too big or too messy to really recommend. Keep your expectations realistic, and you'll score some clean ones later on.

Rusty.

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