Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s happening at Raffs Beach for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a solid run of surf coming, but it’s a mixed bag. The water temp is about 57°F – that’s pretty normal for the season. The first few days are looking good, but there’s a big pulse of energy later that’s going to be a whole different story.

Monday morning (July 6th) kicks off with a clean 5ft SW swell. The wind is a light cross-off from the NNE, which is ideal for keeping things tidy. The combined energy is strong at 1108, so there’s some proper push. This is groundswell with a 14-second period, meaning good shape and nice gaps between sets. It’s a bit much for beginners at this size, but experienced surfers will be stoked. The afternoon gets a bit lumpy with a cross-shore, so get in early.

Tuesday morning (July 7th) is a standout. The swell drops to 3ft from the SW, but the wind is glassy – dead calm. That’s a major positive. The period is a very long 17 seconds, which is proper groundswell energy. It’ll be clean, smooth, and perfect for a longboard or a fish. The energy is moderate at 869, but with that glass, it’s quality over quantity. The afternoon sees a cross-on breeze, so again, morning is the move.

Wednesday morning (July 8th) delivers another cracker. The swell is 5ft from the SW, period 18 seconds – that’s a very long-period groundswell. The combined energy is a very strong 2023, so there’s heaps of power. The wind is light cross-off from the ENE, keeping it clean. This is one for the experienced crew, as that long period will make it punchy and a bit more challenging at a beach break. It’s the best session on offer in the first week.

Thursday and Friday (July 9th-10th) hold onto clean, 4-5ft SW swell with offshore or cross-off winds. The energy drops back to moderate levels, but it’s still fun, clean waves. Good for a solid session on a shortboard or hybrid.

Now, Saturday morning (July 11th) is a bit of a letdown. The swell drops to 3ft, but the wind is howling from the N at 19 mph. It’s offshore, which is clean, but that fresh breeze will make it hard to find a rhythm. The energy is weak at 379. It’s more of a wind-swell vibe.

Sunday (July 12th) is a write-off. The swell is tiny (3-3ft) and the wind is strong and messy. The energy is very weak (196-214). Don’t bother.

Then we hit a massive pulse. Monday (July 13th) and Tuesday (July 14th) see the swell go ballistic. Monday morning is 15ft SW with energy at 7434 – that’s very strong. Tuesday is 8ft SW. But the problem is, the forecast says it’s too big for Raffs Beach. The wind is cross-off and clean, but the size is only for experts who know the break well. Beginners and intermediates should stay well clear. The swell is well over 8ft, so it’s expert-only territory.

Wednesday (July 15th) onwards is a mess. The wind swings onshore or cross-shore, and the swell remains big and messy (7-12ft). The energy is strong, but the quality is poor. Thursday (July 16th) is a no-go with onshore wind and 12ft swell.

The pick of the second week is Friday morning (July 17th). The swell drops to 6ft from the SW, period 13 seconds, and the wind is light offshore from the N. The energy is moderate at 1261. It’s clean and solid, but still a bit big for beginners. That’s the best window in the second week.

Saturday (July 18th) also offers a clean 7ft SW swell with offshore wind, but that moderate breeze makes it a bit more of a paddle. The energy is strong at 2309. Again, for experienced surfers only.

After that, the wind picks up again and the swell gets too big or too messy through the 19th to 21st July. The 21st has a 7ft SW swell with a 17-second period, but the wind is a fresh cross-off, so it’s clean but powerful.

The standout: Without a doubt, Wednesday morning (July 8th) is the best session. The 5ft SW swell with that 18-second period, combined with very strong energy (2023) and light cross-off wind, is a proper treat. Early morning on Tuesday (July 7th) with glassy conditions is a close second for a more mellow, clean session.

Bottom line: First week is the go. The second week has a massive swell that’s too big for the break, followed by some OK but windy days. Friday the 17th is your best bet in the second week if you’re experienced.

Rusty out.

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