Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer at Rhino Head over the next couple of weeks.

First up, we’ve got a bit of a slow start. The good stuff doesn’t really kick in until Sunday, September 6th. That morning is where it’s at. The wind is glassy, just a hint of air moving, and the swell is a solid 6 ft from the SW. That’s a long-period groundswell (14 seconds), so the waves will have some real push and shape to them. The water temp is about average for this time of year. The combined energy is moderate (1150), and with the break being a sheltered reef, that long-period swell should line up nicely. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, but with that size and power, it’s more of a fun, manageable challenge. Sunday afternoon is still decent with 5 ft and clean conditions, but the morning is the standout.

Now, Monday and Tuesday are a write-off – small, onshore, and poor. But Tuesday afternoon (September 8th) is a sneaky good one. The wind swings cross-off, it’s clean, and you’ve got 5 ft of SSW swell with a very long period of 17 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (1222), and while that super long period can make a beach break close out, on a reef like Rhino Head it’s pure gold. The paddling is easier between sets, too.

The rest of the first week into the second is mostly blown out or marginal. A lot of strong wind and messy conditions. The wind is almost always onshore or cross-onshore from the 9th through the 12th, with swell sizes hovering around 7 ft but with terrible conditions. The combined energy gets up into the strong range (3770 on the 9th), but it’s all for nothing with that wind.

There’s a glimmer on the 14th with a fresh offshore breeze from the WNW and 6 ft of SW swell, but it’s marked as marginal, so don’t get your hopes too high.

The real late highlight is Wednesday, September 16th. The morning session is excellent and for experienced surfers only. We’re looking at 6 ft of SW swell, a period of 17 seconds, and a light cross-off breeze. The combined energy is strong (2165). This is a proper groundswell, nicely lined up, and clean. The afternoon is still good with 7 ft, but the wind picks up a bit. If you can get out that morning, that’s the best of the whole run.

Thursday the 17th is a hard pass – 10 ft of messy, cross-onshore junk. That’s big, ugly, and only for the kooks or the kites. The energy is very strong (7664), but it’s a washing machine.

Final call: The Sunday morning glass-off on September 6th is your first real winner – clean, lined up, and fun. But the absolute standout is the morning of Wednesday, September 16th. That’s the one for the crew who can handle it. Everything else is either blown out or just average.

Rusty, signing off.

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