Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty checkin’ in from the coast. Let’s get into it.

We’ve got a run of surf ahead, but honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The real standout is a long way off, so you’ll need some patience.

First up, we kick things off on Tuesday the 21st of July at Rhino Head. Morning’s looking alright with a clean 4 ft SW swell, period around 13 seconds, and a cross-off breeze. The combined energy’s moderate at 437. It’s a sheltered reef, so it’ll be a bit softer and more forgiving. That afternoon, the swell drops to 3 ft, but the wind swings offshore and clean, so the waves will be tidy. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, and it’s fairly consistent, so it’s a good place to get a few.

Wednesday the 22nd is a write-off. The wind’s up to 16 mph and the wave quality tanks. The swell is there at 4 ft, but the conditions are poor. Save your energy.

Thursday the 23rd sees a bigger pulse, with 6 ft to 6 ft SSW swell, and period pushing 15 seconds. That’s a long period groundswell, which means better shaped waves, but it’s a bit cross-shore and lumpy. The energy is strong, hitting 2629, so there’s plenty of push. This is getting into the size range where it’s not for beginners anymore. The wind is fresh, so it’s a bit messy.

Friday the 24th is a little cleaner. The swell drops to 5 ft, still from the SSW with a 15-second period. The cross-off wind helps keep things tidy. The energy is still strong at 1056. It’s a marginal call, but the conditions are better than Thursday.

Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th are a letdown. The swell drops right off, down to 2 ft by Sunday afternoon, and the wind is up. Not worth paddling out for.

Monday the 27th brings a bit of hope. The morning has a clean 5 ft SW swell, period 14 seconds, and light NNW breeze. The energy is moderate at 801. It’s a solid, clean option. The afternoon picks up a little to 5 ft.

Tuesday the 28th has a bigger swell, 7 ft from the SSW with a 16-second period. That’s a very long period groundswell, and the energy is strong at 2118. This is expert territory. The wind is fresh and cross-off, so it’ll be clean, but the power is serious. The break is a reef, which is a good match for this kind of swell, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Wednesday the 29th is similar, with 6 ft SSW swell, 17-second period, and offshore wind. The energy is strong at 1655. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, so no wetsuit surprises.

Then we hit a real dry spell. From Thursday the 30th of July all the way through to Sunday the 2nd of August, the surf is poor. The swell drops, the wind howls, and the conditions are just no good. There’s a solid gap of no quality surf for four days.

Now, the real gem. Mark your calendars for Tuesday the 4th of August. The morning is glassy. Zero wind. A 6 ft SW swell, with an 18-second period – that’s a very long period groundswell. The combined energy is a massive 2128. This is the best on offer. The reef will handle that long period beautifully, and the glassy conditions mean it will be perfect. This is a standout for experienced surfers. The afternoon is still clean with a light breeze.

Wednesday the 5th of August has a 6 ft SSW swell, 16-second period, and moderate breeze. The energy is still strong at 1356, but it’s not as pristine as the day before.

So, the clear winner is the morning of Tuesday the 4th of August at Rhino Head. It’s a long way out, so stay hopeful, but if the forecast holds, it’ll be a day to remember.

Rusty.

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