Ritoque Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s on offer at Ritoque over the next couple of weeks. The water’s sitting at 55°, and that’s a bit colder than what we’d normally expect for this time of year – good to have a decent steamer ready.

The first few days aren’t really worth paddling out for. Sunday and Monday have some swell, but the wind is cross-on, and the conditions are just marginal. You’ll be fighting little wind ripples, and the wave quality isn’t going to turn your head. Nothing to get excited about.

Tuesday July 14th has some real size – 10ft swell from the WSW with a 13-second period, and the combined energy is strong (2723). But here’s the thing: that’s too big for this break. It’s a beach-and-reef setup, and with that much power, it’s going to be a washing machine. Unless you’re a kite surfer, you’re better off sitting this one out.

Wednesday July 15th afternoon is a wee standout. The swell drops to 4ft from the SW, period 10 seconds, and the wind goes glassy. That’s clean, smooth conditions, and the combined energy is moderate (473). Not a huge day, but if you’re after a fun, cruisy session, this is the moment.

Friday July 17th morning brings a bit more punch. 6ft from the W with a 12-second period, and it’s cross-offshore with clean conditions. The combined energy is strong (1177). This is excellent for experienced surfers – the waves will have some shape and power, and the wind is cleaning them right up. Heavy rain, but who cares when the surf’s this good?

Saturday July 18th morning is also looking tidy. 5ft from the WNW, 10-second period, cross-offshore and clean. Combined energy is moderate (937). Another solid option for a quiet paddle.

The following Sunday July 19th, be careful. The swell jumps to 10ft in the morning and 12ft in the afternoon from the NW, with a short period of 8-9 seconds. The wind is glassy in the afternoon, but the size is way too big for this spot. Only for experts, and even then, it’s going to be a handful.

The middle of the next week, from Monday July 20th through Thursday July 23rd, is mostly messy. Strong winds, big swell, and poor conditions. The swell is either too big or the wind is chopping it up. Not worth the drive.

Friday July 24th is a true gem. Morning and afternoon both have 6ft swell from the WSW and W, with glassy conditions. Combined energy is strong (1048 and 1037). This is excellent for experienced surfers – clean, powerful, and the wind is dead calm. This is the best on offer in the whole outlook.

Saturday July 25th is a step down. 8ft and 7ft from the W with cross-on wind. Marginal, but still surfable if you’re keen.

Sunday July 26th afternoon is a small glassy session. 4ft from the W, 10-second period, combined energy 304. Good for a longboard or a fun board.

And Monday July 27th morning wraps it up nicely. 6ft from the W with an 11-second period, cross-offshore and clean. Combined energy 1201. Excellent for experienced surfers.

So, the two standouts: Wednesday July 15th afternoon for a clean, glassy, smaller session, and Friday July 24th for the best quality, clean, powerful waves. Get out there.

Rusty.

Read more