Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

Alright, we’ve got a bit of a mixed bag coming up at Raffs Beach. The first week is going to be a constant swing between clean, fun waves and some real monsters that are better left to the experts. We’ll see a solid run of surfable conditions, but there’s a spell of big, powerful swell that’ll be too much for the average punter.

The window kicks off on Monday morning, 20th July, with some nice, clean 3ft SW groundswell. The wind is a gentle offshore breeze from the north, so it’ll be glassy and clean. The combined energy is moderate (395), perfect for a beginner on a longboard. That holds through the afternoon, with a smaller 2ft, but still clean.

Tuesday looks like the first real standout. Tuesday morning, 21st July, we’ve got a 4ft WSW swell with a 14-second period, and light offshore winds again. The energy is ramping up to a solid moderate (617), and the conditions are clean. This is a fantastic window for a fun, high-performance session. The afternoon holds up nicely too with 4ft.

Now, Wednesday to Friday, 22nd to 25th July, is where things get heavy. The swell builds dramatically. By Thursday morning, 23rd July, we’re looking at a massive 12ft SW swell with a 14-second period. The combined energy is a monstrous 8107. This is expert territory only. The wind is cross-offshore, but it’s a nor’westerly at 19 mph, which will keep it clean, but the sheer size makes it dangerous for anyone not on a big-wave gun. This huge swell hangs around through Friday, still a solid 10ft, and even into Saturday morning, 25th July, before it finally starts to back off. If you’re a seasoned charger, Thursday morning is your window, but be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.

After that big blow, things settle down nicely. Sunday morning, 26th July, is a welcome return to sanity. We’ve got a 5ft SW swell, light winds, and clean conditions. It’s a great day for a paddle. The energy is moderate (723), and the vibe will be good.

The following week, from Monday, 27th July, through to Tuesday, 4th August, we’re in a more consistent, manageable groove. The swell stays in the 3ft to 6ft range, mostly from the SW or SSW. There are a few days with a bit of wind, but nothing too crazy. The top pick in this period has to be Sunday morning, 2nd August. We’ve got a 5ft SW swell, combined energy of 1684, and light offshore winds. The conditions are excellent for experienced surfers – clean, plenty of push, and that long 12-second period will give you proper waves. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so a 3/2 or maybe a 4/3 will do.

The very last day in the window, Tuesday morning, 4th August, is a nice little dark horse. A 4ft SW swell, 15-second period, and a moderate offshore breeze from the north. The energy is solid (859), and it’s clean. A great way to finish the period.

If you’re a beginner, stick to the Monday and Tuesday (20th and 21st) and the lighter days around the 27th. The big swell from the 23rd to the 25th is for experts only. The best all-round surf, with the best quality and conditions, is Tuesday morning (21st) and Sunday morning (2nd August). Crowds are possible at Raffs, so get in early.

Rusty.

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