Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Raffs Beach.

Right now, there’s not much happening. We’ve got a few days of weak, marginal surf to kick off the forecast. Thursday the 6th of August is pretty average – small 3ft to 3ft SW groundswell, but it’s short-period and the winds are cross-off at best. The wave energy is moderate (382) on Thursday morning, climbing a little (421) in the arvo, but it’s just not worth paddling out for. Water temp sits at 55°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year.

The first real standout comes on Friday the 7th of August. Friday morning is a gem – the swell jumps to a solid 5ft from the SW, with a long 16-second period giving it plenty of push. The wind goes glassy – dead calm – and the combined energy hits a very strong 1019. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. Friday afternoon keeps the 5ft swell, still clean with a light cross-off breeze and energy at 1184. For a beginner-friendly spot like Raffs Beach, that’s a bit of size, but if you’ve got the skills, this is the best window of the first week.

Saturday the 8th of August sees a 4ft SW groundswell holding, period still long at 16 seconds, and the wind goes fresh offshore from the N at 19 mph. The sets will be clean and lined up, but the strong breeze makes paddling a workout. Energy drops to 948 (moderate). It’s still good, but not as crisp as Friday.

Things get wild on Monday the 10th of August. The swell surges to 15ft in the morning and 10ft in the arvo, both from the SW, with massive wave energy readings of 4455 and 4670 – that’s very strong. But this is way too big for Raffs Beach, even for experts. The wind is side-shore or cross-off, so it’ll be a mess of whitewater. Honestly, this looks more like a kite-surfing setup than paddle surfing.

Tuesday the 11th of August brings it back to a more manageable 5ft early, 5ft afternoon, with a clean offshore from the NNW and a long 14-second period. Energy is 1078 (moderate to strong) in the morning. Another good day for experienced surfers.

From Wednesday the 12th onward, it’s a mix of hefty but tough conditions. Wednesday morning has a 5ft, 19-second very long period groundswell, but strong cross-off winds and energy at 2341. That’s powerful, but tricky. Wednesday arvo turns poor with 10ft and onshore wind.

The second week brings more size and wind challenges. Thursday the 13th of August sees a massive 20ft SW groundswell in the morning, with 18-second period and extreme energy (21720) – again, too big for this break. Friday the 14th is a more reasonable 8ft, but cross-shore wind keeps it average. Saturday the 15th has a promising 8ft SW swell with 17-second period and clean cross-off wind in the morning, energy at 4046 (very strong), but that’s still big for a beginner spot – better for experts. Sunday the 16th of August drops to 6ft, light ENE cross-off breeze, and energy of 1535, making for excellent surf for experienced surfers again.

Heading into the third week, Monday the 17th to Wednesday the 19th of August looks consistent: 4ft to 5ft SW groundswell, periods around 13 to 16 seconds, and mostly offshore winds from the NNW. Wednesday the 19th morning and afternoon both rate excellent for experienced surfers, with clean offshore wind and energy around 1134. That’s a nice run.

Crowds at Raffs Beach can be a thing sometimes, so don’t be surprised to see a few heads out when it gets good.

The overall pick? Friday the 7th of August morning – glassy conditions, solid 5ft groundswell, and strong energy. That’s the one to circle. For the second week, Sunday the 16th of August morning has a good combo of size and clean wind. But remember, long-period swells like these can sometimes break a bit straight on beach breaks – take that into account.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty

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