Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

We’ve got a solid run of swell coming through for Rhino Head, a sheltered reef break that’s a beginner-friendly spot. It’s pretty consistent, so you can count on waves for most of the fortnight. The water temp is sitting right about average for this time of year, so no dramas there.

The action kicks off Monday the 3rd of August with a bit of a head-scratcher. There’s some decent sized 6ft SW groundswell packing a 14-second period, but the wind is cross-off and a bit of a fresh 12 mph, so it’s just not clean enough to get excited about. The combined energy is moderate (1382). The same goes for Tuesday the 4th—the swell drops to 4ft, but the wind goes almost glassy in the afternoon, so it’s a good chance to get a few small, clean ones. Not a standout, but a pleasant session.

Wednesday the 5th is a write-off. The swell drops to 2ft with a very long 19-second period. That long period at a reef will be too straight and slow. The combined energy is weak (458). Skip it.

Thursday the 6th is still small at 3ft, but the afternoon goes dead flat calm—zero wind, glassy as a mirror. It’s a tiny, clean wave, but if you’re desperate for a longboard, it’s an option.

Now, the first real standout is Monday the 10th of August. We’ve got a solid 8ft SW groundswell rolling in at 16 seconds, with a steady offshore wind from the NW. The combined energy is strong (4677). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The wave will be powerful, clean, and well-shaped. The offshore wind will have it peeling perfectly down the reef. The morning is the pick, but the afternoon holds up nicely at 7ft. This is the one to circle on your calendar.

Tuesday the 11th is still very good, with 5ft and a gentle offshore breeze. The energy is moderate (1248). A great follow-up session if you’re still in the water.

Wednesday the 12th is another banger. 8ft to 8ft, SW groundswell, 15-16 seconds, and a clean offshore wind. The combined energy is strong (2714-2818). This is heavy, expert-level surf. If you’ve got the skills, it’s a dream.

The swell stays solid through the 14th, but the wind goes onshore and cross-shore, making it choppy and messy. A couple of sessions on the 14th afternoon see a glassy spell with 6ft, which is a sneaky good window.

The second major standout, and the biggest swell of the run, is Saturday the 15th of August. We’re looking at a massive 12ft SW groundswell with a very long 19-second period. The combined energy is monstrous (8100). This is a serious, powerful groundswell. The wind is cross-off, so the face will be clean, but this is only for the most experienced surfers. The long period at a reef will mean huge, surging waves that are dangerous for anyone without solid skills. It’s a spectacle, but respect the ocean.

The 16th and 17th are a mixed bag of onshore winds and choppy conditions on a still-significant 8ft to 6ft swell. The energy is still strong, but the quality is gone.

The final day, Tuesday the 18th, offers a clean 8ft swell with a short 8-second period and a light offshore wind. The combined energy is moderate (880). The short period means it’ll be a bit lumpy and less powerful, but it’s a clean wave to end the run.

The best on offer? Without a doubt, Monday the 10th of August is the pick for the best balance of size, power, and perfect offshore wind. For the pure adrenaline junkies, Saturday the 15th of August is the biggest, most powerful swell of the period, but it’s for experts only.

Rusty.

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