Riet River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve got a look at what’s shaping up for Riet River over the next couple of weeks. The water is sitting at 65°F, which is about 2°F cooler than usual for this time of year – feels a bit nippy, so maybe grab the steamer.

The first few days are pretty ordinary. Thursday 27th August is a write-off with strong cross-onshore winds and lumpy, poor surf – not worth paddling out. Friday 28th August morning brings a bit of hope: light cross-offshore winds from the NNW and a clean 4ft S swell at 12 seconds. The energy is moderate (613), and the conditions are clean, making it a decent option for a session if you’re keen. Friday afternoon and Saturday fade quickly with marginal or poor surf.

Sunday 30th August is a dud – light rain and messy waves. Nothing to get excited about.

Now, Monday 31st August morning is the first real standout. We’ve got clear skies, a moderate offshore wind from the WSW, and a clean 5ft SW swell at 12 seconds. The energy is solid (709), and the surf is expected to be very good. This is the pick of the first week – a proper point break session with shape and power.

Tuesday 1st September morning has a light cross-offshore breeze and a 4ft SW swell, but the energy is lower (402). The afternoon is better: a 6ft SSW swell at 12 seconds with light cross-offshore winds and a clean 816 energy. Good surf conditions, but not quite as strong as Monday.

Wednesday 2nd September morning throws up a big 10ft SSW swell at 14 seconds, with an onshore easterly breeze. The energy is massive (3878), but the onshore wind makes it marginal and messy. This is big, raw power – only for the experienced crew, and even then, the wind might ruin it. The afternoon is a no-go.

Thursday 3rd September through to Saturday 5th September is a classic Cape storm pattern: strong winds, rain, and huge swell. Thursday afternoon sees a massive 18ft S swell at 11 seconds, with energy at 7215 – that’s serious. But the wind is howling, and the conditions are marginal. This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing. The same goes for Friday and Saturday: big, raw swells with cross-offshore winds, but heavy rain and messy surf.

Sunday 6th September morning is a gem. Glassy conditions with zero wind, a clean 7ft ESE swell at 12 seconds, and energy at 2375. This is excellent for experienced surfers – the wave quality will be pristine, and the long period means the sets will have punch. This is the standout of the whole outlook, but it’s a week away, so keep an eye on the forecast.

The second week goes quiet. Monday 7th September morning has a 5ft ESE swell, but cross-onshore winds make it choppy. From Tuesday 8th September through to Thursday 10th September, the swell drops away to tiny, weak waves – nothing worth chasing. The energy dips below 100, and the surf is poor.

Then Friday 11th September morning brings a surprise: a 7ft SW swell at 7 seconds, with light offshore winds and clean conditions. The energy is moderate (718), and the surf should be very good. The short period means the waves will be steeper and more fun on the point. The afternoon jumps to 10ft SSW swell at 13 seconds, with gentle cross-shore winds and massive energy (3084). This is a late-blooming standout for the second week – big, powerful, and clean, but only for the experienced.

Bottom line: Monday 31st August morning is the first call, and Sunday 6th September morning is the best on offer. If you’re patient, Friday 11th September afternoon is a big-wave option. Keep the wetsuit handy and the eyes on the sky.

Rusty.

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