Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for Raffs Beach over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a classic setup here: a solid, long-period southwest groundswell that’s packing serious punch. The combined wave energy is absolutely cranking, but here’s the rub – it’s too much of a good thing. The swell is just too big for this spot, especially for a beginner-friendly break. You’ve got a 10ft to 15ft SW swell with a 14-second period, and the wind is a cross-shore, moderate breeze, creating a bit of a cross-chop. It’s close to a no-go for the first day, Thursday the 3rd. Water temp is sitting at 57°, which is pretty normal for this time of year.

Moving into Friday the 4th, the swell drops a bit but is still pumping at 10ft from the SW, with a very long 16-second period. The wind shifts to a gentle cross-offshore breeze, and the forecast says it’s clean. This is a major positive. The wave energy is still very strong. But again, 10ft is a lot of water for a beginner spot. This is expert territory, for sure.

Saturday the 5th is a write-off. The wind is howling out of the WNW at 25 mph, and while the swell is still a chunky 7ft to 10ft, that strong breeze is going to mess it up. The forecast even calls it marginal. Stay on the beach for this one.

We hit a lull after that. The swell drops out. Sunday the 6th through to Tuesday the 8th sees a mix of smaller, inconsistent swell with onshore and cross-shore winds. There’s a tiny window on Tuesday the 8th morning with a 4ft, 18-second period groundswell and very light wind, but the energy is weak and the forecast is marginal. Not worth getting excited about.

Wednesday the 9th and Thursday the 10th are a mess. Strong onshore winds and a building swell that’s way too big again. The 10th has a 10ft SW swell with a 18-second period, but the wind is onshore and the energy is very strong. Hard pass.

Now, here’s the standout. Friday the 11th of September. This is the one. The swell has dropped to a manageable 6ft from the SW, with a 15-second period giving it some real grunt. The wind is light and from the NE, a cross-offshore breeze. The forecast calls it “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers,” and the wave energy is moderate. This is clean, lined-up, and paddlable. The direction is matching the optimum swell direction perfectly. It’s the best on offer.

The weekend of the 12th and 13th is a mixed bag. Saturday the 12th has a clean, offshore wind, but the swell is small at 5ft. Sunday the 13th is blown out with rain and strong wind.

We get another pulse in the second week. Monday the 15th has a 6ft, 18-second groundswell with a cross-offshore breeze, but the energy is strong. The 16th and 17th look promising again. Wednesday the 16th morning has a 6ft SW swell with a gentle cross-offshore wind and clean conditions. Thursday the 17th is a beauty: 6ft SW swell, light offshore wind from the north, and clean. The forecast says “excellent.” This is another solid option for the experienced crew.

Finally, Friday the 18th sees a bigger 8ft SW swell with a strong offshore wind, but it's a fresh breeze, so it’ll be a bit wild. Energy is strong. There’s a good chance for a session if you’re up for a challenge.

So, the bottom line: the start is too big and the middle is a bit of a gap. The real highlights are Friday the 11th and Thursday the 17th. Those are your days to get out there.

Rusty.

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