Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s get straight into it. The next couple of weeks are a bit of a mixed bag, but there are moments where it’ll all line up. We’re looking at a solid run of SW groundswell, but the wind is going to be the deciding factor more often than not. The first few days are average, then we get a taste of the good stuff, followed by a proper lull, before a promising finish.

We start off with Rhino Head (Big Island) on Sunday morning, 9 August. It’s cloudy with a light NW breeze, so it’s cross-off and clean. There’s a 3.6ft SW swell with a period of 16 seconds, and the water’s sitting at 58.3°, which is pretty much average for this time of year. The energy is weak at 793, so it’s not going to be setting the world on fire, but it’s a start. The afternoon picks up a touch, with the swell nudging 4.6ft and the energy jumping to 1466, still clean. It’s on the smaller side, but it’s surfable.

Monday the 10th sees a serious step up in size, but the wind gets on it. We’ve got a 8.2ft SW swell in the morning with a 17-second period, and the energy is strong at 3996. However, that SW wind at 19 mph makes it a cross-off, and the forecast notes it’s marginal. This is getting big, over 8ft, so it’s expert territory, and the wind is going to make it tricky. The afternoon drops slightly to 7.2ft, but the wind is still up. It’s a lot of water moving, but it’s not going to be pretty.

Tuesday the 11th is a write-off. The swell drops to 3.6ft-4.3ft, but the NNW wind is honking at 22 mph. It’s clean but poor, so you’re not missing much. Wednesday the 12th brings back the size, with a 7.9ft SW swell in the morning and 7.5ft in the afternoon, but again, the wind is howling from the WSW at 19-22 mph. The energy is strong, 3680 and 4119, but it’s another day of big, wind-affected surf. Thursday the 13th is more of the same, with 5.9ft-6.2ft swells and a moderate cross-off breeze. It’s all there, but the quality is just not quite on.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Friday the 14th is the standout of the first week. The wind drops right out early, with a light W offshore at 3 mph, and the swell is a clean 5.6ft from the SSW at 16 seconds. The energy is solid at 1555, and it’s glassy, clean. This is the day to get amongst it. The afternoon is just as good, with a light SW cross-off and the swell holding at 5.6ft. This is the best the first week has to offer.

Then we hit a poor stretch. Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th see the wind swing SE, which is onshore for this spot, and the swell drops. It’s choppy and messy, so don’t bother. Monday the 17th is still onshore and small, with a 3.6ft-3.9ft swell. It’s a proper lull.

The good news is that things start to clean up towards the end of the second week. Tuesday the 18th is a bit of a wildcard. The morning is cross-shore and small, but the afternoon turns glassy with a light NW wind and a 3.9ft SSW swell at 18 seconds. The energy is moderate at 860. It’s small, but it’s clean and there’s a long period to it. This is one to keep an eye on. Wednesday the 19th is blown out again by a fresh N wind, so that’s a no-go. Thursday the 20th is windy early, but the afternoon sees a 5.2ft SW swell with a fresh SW cross-off. It’s still a bit rough.

Now, the real highlight of the whole window arrives on Friday the 21st. The morning is clear, with a light SE wind that’s actually glassy, and a 5.2ft SW swell with a 14-second period. The energy is strong at 1501, and it’s clean. This is looking like the best clean, rideable surf of the run. The afternoon keeps it going with a light W offshore at 3 mph and the swell at 4.3ft. It’s a solid day.

Saturday the 22nd looks good too, with light offshore winds and a clean 4.6ft SW swell.

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