Riet River Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the Riet River stretch.

The main pattern shaping up for us is a series of solid SSW groundswells, but the wind is going to be a real talking point. We’ve got a bit of a slow start, then a few days of promise, a rough patch, and then a couple of interesting windows further out. The water is sitting at 63°F right now, which is a massive 4°F colder than normal for this time of year. That’s a proper winter bite, so you’ll want a thick steamer.

Straight up, the first few days are a write-off. Saturday the 22nd has a huge 31 mph cross-off wind tearing across a 7 ft-12 ft swell. The energy is there (1536), but it’s just ugly and dangerous. Sunday the 23rd is still messy with that cross-off wind, though the swell holds around 7 ft. It’s marginal at best.

Now, Monday the 24th morning is where we start to see a glimmer. The wind drops to a light breeze, the swell is a clean 5 ft from the SSW with a 12-second period, and the energy is still moderate (722). It’s not the biggest, but it’s the first real chance for a paddle.

Tuesday the 25th is the first standout of the forecast. The morning kicks off with a 7 ft SSW swell, a 13-second period, and a gentle cross-off breeze. The combined energy jumps to 2083, and the notes say it’s excellent for experienced surfers. That’s a proper window. The afternoon holds that same quality.

Then we hit a wall. From Wednesday the 26th right through to Saturday the 29th, the wind swings onshore and cross-on, blowing hard from the east and east-northeast. The swell is still there, but it’s a mess. Even though the 27th has a 6 ft S swell, the wind is 28 mph, creating a strong cross-onshore chop. That’s a kite-surfing setup, not a paddling one.

We get a bit of a breather on Sunday the 30th. A 10 ft SW swell rolls in with a moderate cross-off breeze, energy at 2351. It’s marginal, but it’s clean. Monday the 31st is similar, with 7 ft-8 ft SSW swell and clean conditions, but the wind is up around 22 mph, so it’s a bit of a battle.

Now, the real target is Friday the 4th of September. The morning shows a 10 ft SW swell with a 14-second period, light cross-off wind, and the combined energy is a massive 6397. The notes say it’s marginal for the rating, but with that period and clean wind, the point break here should be offering up some long, pushing lines. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. Just be aware this is a second-week call, so keep an eye on it.

The 5th of September looks blown out again with a 16 ft monster and 31 mph onshore wind. But then Sunday the 6th of September morning is a special mention. The wind goes glassy, the swell is 10 ft from the south with a 14-second period, and the energy is 3200. It’s a big, clean groundswell, but at that size, it’s experts only. That point is going to be a show.

This is a spot that’s inconsistent, so when it lines up, you’ve got to move. The crowds are listed as "sometimes" here, so on a day like the 25th of August or the 4th of September, you can expect company.

Rusty.

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