Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here with the imperial version. Look, I’ll keep it straight—Rhino Head is your only break in this 16-day run, and it’s not a quick start. There’s a long quiet spell before anything worth chasing shows up. The week begins with junk; you’ll be waiting until Wednesday July 8th for the first marginal waves. The real standout doesn’t hit until the second week, so sit tight.

Monday July 6th and Tuesday the 7th are a total loss—cross-onshore wind and messy surf. Don’t bother. Wednesday the 8th bumps up with 6ft from the SSW, 18-second period, and moderate wave energy (1839), but that long-period groundswell with cross-onshore wind makes it choppy and tough at this reef. Thursday the 9th cleans up in the afternoon—light cross-offshore wind, 3ft waves from the SSW at 15 seconds, moderate energy (699). Clean but small.

The first real eye-opener arrives Sunday July 12th. That morning you’ve got 7ft from the SW at 13 seconds, strong offshore wind at 25 mph, and strong energy (1771). This is expert territory. Later that day hits 8ft, SW, 15 seconds, and 2901 energy. Heavy, clean, but strong offshore makes it a paddle battle.

The absolute standout, the one you wait for, is Monday July 13th. Morning brings 8ft from the SSW, 16-second groundswell, cross-offshore wind at 19 mph, and enormous energy at 3990. The afternoon stays at 8ft, 17 seconds, lighter wind at 12 mph, and 3566 energy. This is big, powerful, long-period swell hitting a sheltered reef that loves SW direction. It’s well over 8ft, so experts only. Crowds are “sometimes,” so you might see a few, but it won’t be packed. This is your session.

After that, Tuesday the 14th and Wednesday the 15th ease but stay clean. Wednesday the 15th afternoon is a treat—4ft from the SW, 14 seconds, and glassy conditions with hardly any wind. That’s clean, small, and fun on a log. Energy is moderate (676).

From Thursday the 16th onward, the swell drops and wind howls. By Friday the 17th you’re down to 3ft and fading. The final week is mostly poor, with near-gale offshore winds making it a struggle. A pulse of 6ft on July 19th from the WSW has near-gale offshore wind and 3087 energy, but it’s unrideable for most.

Summary: Circle Monday July 13th for the big, powerful SSW swell at Rhino Head. That’s your best call. Before that, small or messy. After that, fading fast. Water temp on the 6th is 60°F, about average for the season. Stick with the 13th.

Rusty.

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