Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get this forecast written.

Alright, let’s get into it. The first week is a bit of a mixed bag. There’s surf to be had, but you’ll need to pick your moments. The swell energy is low to start and builds, with the wind being the main player in whether the waves are any good or a complete mess.

The window starts with a couple of days that aren’t really worth it, but by Monday, August 31st, we’re starting to see some potential at Rhino Head (Wahoo). The morning of Monday is still a bit messy with a cross-shore, but the afternoon cleans right up. You’ve got a solid 6ft set from the SW with a very long 18-second period. That kind of period means serious groundswell energy. It’ll be clean with a light offshore breeze. It’s a reef break, so with that long period, it should set up some nice lines. Crowds can be around, but for that quality, you’ll take it. That Monday afternoon is a standout for the first half of the run. It’s not too big, so it’s good for intermediate surfers looking to push it.

Tuesday the 1st of September is a write-off. Winds are howling from the NNW at 22 mph, making a mess of things despite a bit of swell. Wednesday the 2nd sees a recovery with solid offshore winds from the W, and a 6ft SW swell rolling in. It’s a bit fresh on the wind (19 mph), so expect some texture, but it’s ridable.

Then we hit a period of bigger, more unruly surf. From Friday the 4th through to Tuesday the 8th, swells are pumping between 8ft and 12ft. This is for experienced surfers only – wave heights over 8ft are no joke. It’s big, powerful SW groundswell. The wind is mostly cross-offshore or offshore, so the faces will be clean, but the power and size will be intimidating. This is more of a big-wave crew scenario at Rhino Head. Not for the faint of heart.

The real sweet spot arrives on Wednesday, September 9th. The swell drops back to a very manageable 6ft from the SW, and the wind goes light. Both morning and afternoon are set for very good surf conditions. There’s plenty of push, but it’s not a washing machine. The wind is light, so it’ll be glassy and clean. This is the pick of the second week.

The run continues with decent, smaller surf through to the end of the window. Thursday the 10th has clean 4ft SW with light winds, and by the weekend of the 13th and 14th, we’re back to clean, glassy conditions with that light NE breeze. Sunday morning the 14th has glassy conditions and a 5ft SW swell with 14-second period. That’s a beautiful way to finish the forecast.

So, to sum it up: if you’re not a big-wave charger, skip the 5th–8th. Focus on Monday afternoon, August 31st for the first standout, and Wednesday, September 9th for the second. Both offer clean conditions, solid swell, and good energy.

Rusty.

Read more