Riet River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Rusty here again. Let's break down the next couple of weeks in feet, not meters. It's all about Riet River, a point break that likes to keep you guessing. The water's sitting around 66°F, which is a couple of degrees cooler than usual for this time of year – you'll want the thick wetsuit.

Friday July 3rd kicks off with a set of solid, clean waves. The swell is about 8ft, coming from the SSE with 11-second intervals, and the morning wind is a light offshore from the WNW. The wave energy is cooking at 2860. This is heavy, consistent power for the experienced crew. The afternoon cleans up even more with a glassy 5 mph offshore breeze and the swell holding at 10ft and 12-second periods. This is the real deal, but it's serious – not a beginners' wave. Remember, this break is inconsistent, so when it's on, it's a gem.

Saturday the 4th stays high quality. Morning has 8ft of SW groundswell, offshore wind from the W, and the same clean conditions. The afternoon drops to 7ft but stays glassy. A solid run for the skilled surfer.

Sunday the 5th fades. The swell drops to 5ft and the wind goes messy. The energy is down to 840. Still a wave, but only for the die-hards.

From Monday the 6th to Tuesday the 7th, we get small to mid-range options. Swells from 4ft to 5ft with clean conditions, but the energy is moderate (506-777). It's a longboard or groveler situation.

Now, for the real magic. Thursday July 9th is the standout of the first week. The morning delivers a 8ft SSW groundswell with a dreamy 14-second period and glassy winds – the wave energy jumps to 1949. The afternoon gets bigger, hitting 10ft, but the cross-onshore breeze and very long 15-second period might make it a bit top-heavy for the point. A few epic barrels will be there for the patient and the skilled.

Friday the 10th through Sunday the 12th get ugly. Strong onshore winds (12-25 mph) from the east pin down the 7ft to 6ft swell. The energy is still there (2361-1271), but the quality is poor for paddling. This looks like a kiter's session.

Monday the 13th and Tuesday the 14th are a complete washout. Heavy rain, strong winds, and tiny weak swell (down to 2ft with energy of 134). Don't bother.

There's a big gap from the 15th through the morning of the 16th. Howling offshore winds on the 15th (28-34 mph) make it a battle just to paddle, and the swell is weak (3ft, energy 244). You'd be better off waiting.

Thursday July 16th is the absolute champion of the entire 16-day stretch. The morning sees a massive 12ft SW swell with moderate offshore wind – the wave energy is huge at 3563. The afternoon is even better: a rare, clean setup with 13ft SW swell, 12-second periods, and light cross-off winds. Wave energy hits 4950. This is a heavy, expert-only session at Riet River. If you're confident and have the right board, this is the day to circle on the calendar.

The final weekend (17th-18th) still has oversized swell (10ft to 12ft) but the winds are shifting cross and onshore, so it won't be as clean as the 16th.

Bottom line: Riet River offers two main windows – the clean, solid swell around the 9th and the absolute giant, glassy climax on the 16th. The rest is either small, wind-battered, or just for the brave.

Rusty.

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