Riet River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Rusty here with a look at the Riet River stretch.

Riet River

This one’s looking a bit temperamental over the next week or so, but there are some absolute gems hiding in there. The water’s sitting at a chilly 63°F, which is a solid 5°F colder than usual for this time of year – you’ll be wanting a thick wetsuit for sure.

The first window of surfable swell kicks off this Saturday morning, July 11th. We’ve got a solid 8ft SSW groundswell rolling in with a 12-second period. The combined energy is pumping hard (2181). The morning has a light cross-onshore breeze, making things a bit bumpy, but hold on because the afternoon glass-off is the real story. Saturday afternoon the wind drops to nothing, glassy conditions, and that 8ft SSW swell is still cracking. This is expert territory at that size – clean faces, long lines, but it’s going to be a handful. Keep in mind the swell is long period (12s), so Riet River as a point break should handle that beautifully with some proper walls.

Sunday morning sees the swell dropping to 6ft, but onshore wind from the ENE at 9 mph makes it a write-off, and it gets worse from there. Sunday afternoon is a complete loss with a risk of thunderstorms and strong winds. The start of the week, Monday through to Tuesday, is flat and messy with small, weak swell and cross-shore winds. Tuesday morning is the only quiet moment with a tiny 2ft SSW swell and glassy conditions – more of a longboard cruise than anything serious.

Now, here’s where it gets good again. On Thursday, July 16th, a new SSW groundswell fills in at 7ft, period of 14 seconds, with very strong wave energy (1787). Thursday morning is glassy – dead calm. That’s a standout session for experienced surfers. Clean, powerful, and the point should be reeling.

Then, Friday July 17th gets big. We’re talking a 15ft SSW swell, period 13 seconds, and the combined energy is massive (6747). The wind is a strong offshore from the WSW at 28 mph. That’s clean, but it’s also howling. This one is strictly for the big-wave crew – paddling out is going to be a battle. Saturday July 18th brings another stellar morning: 12ft S swell, 12-second period, glassy conditions, and seriously heavy energy (4013). Another absolute ripper for the experienced surfers, but beginners need to stay well clear.

The second week is a bit more of a mixed bag. From Sunday the 19th through Tuesday the 22nd, it’s mainly small, choppy, or blown out. Worth noting Wednesday July 22nd has a 6ft SSW groundswell with a long 15-second period, but it’s got cross-on winds making it messy.

Looking further out, keep an eye on Sunday July 26th. The forecast is showing a massive 12ft SSW groundswell with an incredible 19-second period, and the combined energy hits 9999 – that’s as strong as it gets. Light cross-on winds, but with that size and period, it’s going to be a beast. Still a way off, so don’t lock it in just yet, but if it comes together, it will be huge and heaving down the point. Not one for the crowds either, as this spot can get busy.

Best on offer: Saturday 11th afternoon for that glassy 8ft groundswell, and Thursday 16th morning for another glassy, powerful 7ft swell. Those are your top picks.

Rusty.

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