Ritoque Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for Ritoque over the next couple of weeks.

The first few days are a write-off, honestly. We’ve got strong NNW winds thrashin’ the place on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th, with lumpy, cross-shore chop and rain. The swell is there, around 3ft to 6ft, but it’s a mess. Not worth paddling out. You’ll be fightin’ the wind more than the wave.

Now, Sunday the 19th morning is where it starts to get interesting. The wind drops out completely – glassy conditions – and we’ve got a clean 5ft W swell, period 11 seconds. The combined energy is moderate (844). That’s a solid, workable wave for an intermediate. The morning is the pick of that day. In the afternoon, a light cross-onshore comes up, so you’ll want to be on it early.

Monday the 20th is another good shout. Morning sees a gentle offshore wind from the ENE, cleaning up a 4ft W swell (11 sec period). Combined energy is moderate (517). It’s not huge, but it’ll be clean and lined up. Afternoon stays clean with a lighter offshore.

Tuesday the 21st is a skip – the wind swings back onshore and fresh, turnin’ things lumpy again.

Wednesday the 22nd is a big one, but it’s not for everyone. The swell jumps to 10ft from the W, with a 12-second period. The combined energy is strong (2631). The morning is a write-off with fresh cross-onshore wind, but the afternoon shifts to a gentle cross-offshore breeze, makin’ it clean. However, that 10ft is too big for this break – this is expert-only territory.

Thursday the 23rd is a standout for the experienced crew. Morning is glassy, with a 7ft W swell (11 sec). The combined energy is strong (1312). Excellent surf conditions for surfers who know what they’re doin’. That’s the best on offer in the first week. The afternoon gets a light cross-onshore, so jump on the morning sesh.

Then there’s a lull. From Friday the 24th through to Monday the 27th, we’re lookin’ at small, weak swell – mostly under 3ft, with long periods (14-21 seconds) that’ll make it tricky and straight at a beach break. Light winds keep it from bein’ total junk, but it’s marginal. Not worth the drive, really.

The second week heats up again. Tuesday the 28th brings a 8ft WSW swell with a 12-second period, and combined energy strong (1440). The wind is a light cross-shore, so it’s a bit lumpy but still fun for the experienced.

Wednesday the 29th is a gem. Morning is glassy, with a 4ft WSW swell (9 sec). The combined energy is moderate (588). Not the biggest, but it’ll be clean and fun for intermediates. Afternoon stays glassy, with a tiny 2ft but a very long 20-second period – that’ll push through on the sets.

Thursday the 30th is the real standout of the whole outlook. Both morning and afternoon are glassy. Morning has a 8ft WSW swell, 15-second period, with combined energy very strong (2456). Afternoon is 8ft, 14-second period, also glassy, with combined energy very strong (2452). That’s excellent surf for experienced surfers. Clean, powerful, and long-period groundswell. This is the one to circle on your calendar.

Friday the 31st and Saturday the 1st of August go big again – 12ft on Friday, 8ft on Saturday – but that’s too much for Ritoque. Expert-only on Friday when it’s clean, and Saturday afternoon gets a cross-onshore. The preceding Thursday is the true winner here.

Water temp is around 54°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so don’t forget a good hood and booties.

Rusty out.

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