Ritoque Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. The next couple of weeks at Ritoque are a proper mixed bag, with a slow start, then a big pulse of swell that’ll get the blood pumping for experienced crew only. Water temp is sitting at about 57°, which is pretty average for this time of year – nothing unusual there.

We kick off on Sunday the 23rd of August, but honestly, don’t bother paddling out. The morning has 3ft of short-period SW swell at 8 seconds, but it’s cross-shore wind and the wave energy is weak (208). The afternoon gets even worse – drop to 3ft and a score that says poor. Monday the 24th is a little more promising but still ordinary. Morning glass-off with 2ft of SSW groundswell, period at 13 seconds, but the wave energy is low (186). It’s surfable but nothing to write home about. By Tuesday the 25th of August, the morning gets interesting – a clean 2ft WSW swell with a long 15-second period. The wave energy is moderate (279) and with light offshore wind, it’s clean. It’s small, but if you’re on a log, it’ll be fun.

Now, Wednesday the 26th of August sees the energy starting to build. Morning has 3ft of WSW swell at 12 seconds, moderate energy (533). By the afternoon, it’s 5ft, period dropping to 10 seconds, energy climbing to strong (656). Still cross-shore, so not perfect but it’s building.

Here comes the big one. Thursday the 27th of August is a monster – 12ft of WSW swell with a 15-second period and massive energy readings (5423 morning, 4902 afternoon). It’s clean in the morning, but that’s a serious step up. That kind of size at Ritoque is only for the experts. Beginners, stay on the sand. Friday the 28th is still pumping – 8ft of WSW groundswell at 13 seconds, and the morning is glassy. The wave energy is very strong (2523). This is a standout session for experienced surfers, with clean conditions and plenty of power. The afternoon picks up a cross-on breeze, so get out early.

Saturday the 29th of August is another quality day for the crew who can handle it. 7ft of WSW swell at 12 seconds, energy at 1184 (strong). Morning glass again – absolutely pristine conditions. Sunday the 30th sees a drop-off. 5ft of WSW swell, period dropping to 11 seconds, energy moderate (547), and cross-on wind. It’s just okay. By Monday the 31st of August, we get a bit of a bump – 7ft WSW at 11 seconds, energy strong (1242), but with cross-shore winds. It’s surfable but not as clean as the previous week.

Into September, Tuesday the 1st is smaller – 5ft SW, 10 seconds, energy moderate (725) and cross-shore. Not great. Wednesday the 2nd of September looks proper. 6ft WSW, a very long 16-second period, energy very strong (1679) and cross-on in the morning. But the afternoon goes glassy, with 7ft of 15-second groundswell and excellent conditions for experienced surfers. Thursday the 3rd of September is the real standout of the second week. Morning glass-off, 7ft of WSW swell at 14 seconds, and energy at 2619 (very strong). That is a session to book in. The afternoon holds size at 5ft but with a 19-second period, energy even higher (3154). Wind is onshore though, so it might get bumpy.

Friday the 4th of September stays big – 8ft WSW at 15 seconds, energy very strong (2951) but cross-on wind. Saturday the 5th gets windier – 8ft WSW at 13 seconds, moderate breeze cross-shore. It’s messy. Sunday the 6th drops to 7ft, and by Monday the 7th we’re back to small stuff – 3ft but with a 20-second period, energy moderate (804). The real highlights here are definitely Thursday the 27th and 28th of August for the big wave chargers, and the morning of Thursday the 3rd of September for glassy, powerful groundswell.

Rusty.

Read more