Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break it down for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a run of surf coming up at Rhino Head, a sheltered reef break that’s beginner-friendly and fairly consistent. The water temp is about average for this time of year. The first decent window kicks off Sunday, August 23rd, with a solid 5 ft to 5 ft SW groundswell that’s got a long period to it. Sunday afternoon looks like the real gem early on—glassy conditions, just a whisper of a breeze from the north at 3 mph, and combined wave energy is strong at 1018. That’s clean, lined-up surf for a Sunday session.

Monday the 24th drops off quick with small, choppy leftovers under 3 ft, so not worth the paddle. Tuesday the 25th sees a bump back up to 6 ft from the SSW, but a stiff 16 mph cross-shore wind makes it a bumpy, messy affair—better left alone unless you’re on a kite.

Now, Wednesday the 26th morning is where it gets interesting again. A clean 4 ft swell from the SW with a gentle offshore from the NW at 9 mph. It’s small but glassy, and the energy is moderate (468). Not a standout, but a nice little window for the beginners.

Thursday the 27th afternoon is the real standout of the first week. You’ve got 5 ft of SW groundswell pumping in with a 20-second period—that’s proper long-period energy. Winds are light from the NNW at 6 mph, nearly glassy, and the combined energy jumps to 1813. That’s strong, clean, and lined up. For a reef like Rhino Head, that long period means the waves will wrap in nicely with good shape and long gaps between sets. Paddling out will be manageable. This is the session to aim for.

Friday the 28th stays in the 5 ft to 6 ft range, but the winds start turning onshore or cross, messing with the surface. Still some size, but not the same quality.

Saturday the 29th fades into small, weak surf below 4 ft. Skip it.

Sunday the 30th sees a slight uptick in period but small waves and onshore winds—not your day.

Now, Monday the 31st morning comes back strong. Another 6 ft SSW groundswell with a 17-second period, light northerly wind, clean conditions, and strong energy at 1607. That’s another top-notch window, almost as good as the Thursday before.

Tuesday September 1st has a clean 4 ft afternoon with a light offshore from the WNW at 9 mph. Not big, but clean and fun.

Wednesday September 2nd morning: offshore wind again, 4 ft SW swell, moderate energy (642). Decent but small.

Then we’ve got a bit of a lull until Thursday September 3rd afternoon, where a 7 ft SW swell rolls in, but with 19 mph winds, it’s blown out. Not recommended unless you’re after a washing machine.

But hold on—Friday September 4th morning is the biggest highlight of the whole outlook. 7 ft of SSW groundswell, 16-second period, light breeze from the WSW at 6 mph, and combined energy at 2007. That’s a serious, clean swell for experienced surfers. The offshore wind will keep it groomed. If you’re an expert, that’s your morning. The afternoon holds at 6 ft with clean offshore wind too. This is the standout of the entire 16 days.

After that, the swell drops back again over the weekend into small, weak, or windy conditions. Then on Monday September 7th morning, there’s a big 8 ft WSW swell with a moderate offshore from the NW at 16 mph. That’s a big, powerful wave—definitely for experts only, with strong energy at 3422. It’s at the very end of the forecast, so keep an eye on it, but it’s promising.

Overall, the best windows are Thursday afternoon August 27th, Monday morning August 31st, and Friday September 4th is the absolute pick of the bunch. Crowds are possible at Rhino Head—it can get busy—so get in early.

Rusty.

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