Rhino Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty comin' at ya from the beach.

So, lookin' at the charts for Rhino Head, and honestly, the next week plus is a real mixed bag. We've got some serious energy on the way, but the wind and conditions are gonna be the main story here, making it a bit of a struggle to find that perfect window. The first few days are a write-off for a decent paddle, but hang in there, because there is a glimmer of hope later on.

Monday the 27th is a no-go. There's a 3 ft to 4 ft SW swell with a 13-second period, but that 18-to-25 mph NNW wind is just tearin' it up. The water's sittin' at 59°, which is pretty normal for this time of year, but you wouldn't wanna be out there in that breeze anyway.

Tuesday the 28th gets a bit more interesting size-wise but not quality. The swell builds to 7 ft from the SW with a lovely 15-second period, and the combined energy is moderate (1976-2278). But that WSW and SW wind at 22 mph is a cross-offshore, which is better than onshore, but still raw. It's one of those days where the ocean looks mean, and unless you're a glutton for punishment, you're better off watchin'.

Wednesday the 29th is still a bit of a mess, but it's the best of a bad bunch early on. The swell drops a touch to 7 ft from the SSW, but the real story is the wind turning to a lighter 9-12 mph cross-shore. The period hits 16 seconds, which is a classic groundswell, and the energy is strong (2712). It's still a bit lumpy with a cross-chop, so it's not gonna be a day for the groms. This size (7 ft) is pushin' into expert territory, and the cross-shore wind will make it tricky. The setup here at Rhino Head is a sheltered reef, so that long-period groundswell should wrap in pretty good.

Thursday the 30th through to the end of the first week is pretty grim. Swell drops right off to 2 ft to 4 ft, and the wind is all over the shop. Friday the 31st afternoon is the only glimmer with a glassy 2 ft SSW swell and a 13-second period, but that's just not enough to get excited about.

Then we get to the second week, and the models are throwin' up some serious numbers. Saturday, August 3rd, we see a 6 ft SW swell with a 14-second period and combined energy of 1291 in the morning. The wind is a nice 12 mph cross-offshore, which is a big positive. It's still marginal, but that's the first real chance for a clean-ish wave.

But the real standout is lookin' like Sunday, August 11th. We're talkin' a massive 12 ft SW swell with a 16-second period. The combined energy is through the roof at 6285, which is strong. The wind is a moderate 15 mph cross-offshore out of the SW. Now, this is big. 12 ft is expert-only territory at a reef. The wind is clean, but the power in those sets will be immense. It's a long-range call, so you keep an eye on it, but if it lines up, Rhino Head is gonna be a proper heavy session. The long period means it'll be a bit walled up at the beach, but on a reef like this, it should hold some shape.

So, for the best bet, I'm pointing you to that Sunday, August 11th. It's a monster, so bring your biggest stick, your wits, and maybe a bit of courage. But for a more manageable surf, that Saturday, August 3rd morning is your best early window for a clean-ish wave on a decent 6 ft swell.

Rusty.

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