Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s cookin’ for theRhino Head region over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got a pretty clear run of solid, clean swell coming through, though the first few days are a bit of a tease before things really fire up.

The water temp is sitting at 59°F, which is just about normal for this time of year and nothing to write home about. Wetsuits are definitely the go.

The action starts on Thursday the 27th of August. Thursday afternoon we’ve got a clean 3ft SW groundswell gliding in with a long 19-second period. The wind is a light cross-off from the NNW, and the combined energy is strong at 1074. This is a great warm-up – clean, long-period lines perfect for a beginner-friendly reef break. Expect very good, glassy conditions.

Friday the 28th sees a bump in size. The morning shows 6ft SW swell with 16-second period, but the wind is a light cross-onshore from the ENE. It’s rideable but the wind is just enough to put a few tiny ripples on the face. The afternoon drops to 5ft with a full onshore breeze, so the quality slips. Not the best.

Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th are write-offs. Onshore winds chop up small, weak swell. There’s a gap of a few days with nothing worth paddling for. Energy drops right off – Sunday morning only 407. Best to stay home and watch the forecast.

Then, Monday the 31st of August afternoon is where the pulse returns properly. 5ft SW groundswell, 18-second period, light cross-off wind from the north, and combined energy is strong at 1551. This looks really clean and smooth – expect very good surf. This is the first standout.

We then get a couple of windy mid-week days, but Wednesday the 2nd of September afternoon shapes up nicely with a clean 4ft SW swell, moderate offshore from the west, and energy at 538.

The true highlight lands on Friday the 4th of September. Friday morning has a solid 6ft SW groundswell, 14-second period, light offshore from the NW, and strong energy at 1220. Friday afternoon steps up further – 7ft SW swell, gentle offshore west wind, and energy jumping to 1846. This is the best on offer: big, clean, powerful swell for Rhino Head. With that 7ft size, it’s pushing into expert territory, but for the crew with the skills, this is the session to circle. Just be aware, Rhino Head can get crowded sometimes.

Saturday the 5th of September gets a bit messy with cross-onshore wind. Sunday the 6th has a strong westerly offshore for the morning session with 5ft swell, but it’s raining.

The following week sees a few more clean windows. Thursday the 10th of September morning is another cracker: 5ft SSW swell, 15-second period, light cross-off wind from the north, and strong energy at 1053. Expect very good surf. The afternoon goes glassy with a near-slick offshore from the WNW, and 943 energy. That’s a second standout.

After that, the swell fades into the weekend of the 11th and 12th of September with smaller, cleaner waves around 3ft. Fun for a longboard if you’re keen, but nothing to get too worked up about.

Bottom line: the 27th is a nice intro, but Friday the 4th of September and Thursday the 10th of September are the pick of the run. Get out there when the wind swings offshore.

Rusty.

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