Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get stuck into the outlook for Raffs Beach. This is a classic exposed beach setup that’s mostly a beginner-friendly wave, but it’s got some serious grunt coming in the next couple of weeks. The water’s sitting at 56°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year – no surprises there.

We’ve got a solid run of surf starting this Friday, the 17th of July. Friday morning is the standout early call: a clean 7 ft south-west swell with a very long period of 16 seconds, fresh north-northwest breeze keeping it offshore, and the combined energy is pumping at 2158 (moderate). This is quality groundswell, so the lines will have some serious push, but the period is long – expect bigger gaps between sets and a bit of a paddle. This one’s for experienced surfers, as it’s over 5 ft and the power is up. Friday afternoon drops off a bit with a cross-shore wind and a questionable tide, so not the pick.

Saturday the 18th cleans right up. Morning is cross-off with a 5 ft south-west swell, still a nice 14-second period, and the energy is a more manageable 828 (moderate). But the real gem is Saturday afternoon – glassy conditions, no wind at all, with a 4 ft south-west swell at 13 seconds. This will be clean as a whistle, perfect for beginners and intermediates to get amongst it. The energy is down to 560, so it’s mellow but fun.

Sunday the 19th stays small and clean. A 3 ft south-west swell in the morning with offshore winds, dropping to 2 ft in the afternoon. Still clean, but it’s running out of puff. Monday and Tuesday the 20th and 21st are similar – small swells with decent winds, but nothing to write home about.

Then Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd get a bit messy. The swell builds back to 7-7 ft, but the wind goes cross-shore and brings some chop. The energy jumps up to 1730 on Thursday, but the conditions are marginal – the cross-shore wind is putting a bit of texture on the face. Not the best for smooth rides.

Now, Friday the 24th of July is a big one – but it’s a warning, not a recommendation. The swell hits 10 ft in the morning and 12 ft in the afternoon, with a 13-second period. That’s way over 8 ft, so expert-only territory, plus the wind hits 19-22 mph and brings rain showers. The energy is massive at 2679 in the morning and a massive 7288 in the afternoon (strong to very strong). This break is an exposed beach, so with that much swell and strong wind, it’s going to be a washing machine. Honestly, this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing. Same goes for Tuesday the 28th of July when it gets back up to 10 ft with a 22 mph breeze.

After that, the swell settles back to 3-6 ft for the rest of the period, but the wind stays moderate to fresh, often cross-off or cross. The last few days into August are more onshore and lumpy, with poor conditions, so it’s fading out.

If I had to pick the real standouts for a paddle: Saturday afternoon the 18th with that glassy 4 ft swell is the best of the clean, mellow stuff. And Friday morning the 17th is the one for experienced surfers looking for power – just be ready for the long-period sets and the paddle. Don’t even bother with the 24th or 28th unless you’re on a kite.

Rusty.

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