Ritoque Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at what's on the cards for the coming weeks at Ritoque. We've got a decent run of swell on the horizon, so let's break it down.

We start off this Sunday, July 19th, with some energy in the water. It's not massive, but the conditions are promising. There's a 5ft W swell rolling in with an 11-second period, and the winds are glassy from the NNW at just 3 mph. The water's sitting at 54°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you might want the 4/3. The overall energy is moderate (697), and the word is it should be very good surf. Not the biggest, but clean.

Monday the 20th looks like a good shout too, especially the morning. We're looking at a 4ft W swell, again 11 seconds, but with a light offshore breeze from the E at 6 mph keeping things clean. The afternoon cleans up even more, going glassy with a 3ft W swell. A solid couple of sessions on offer.

Now, Tuesday the 21st is a write-off. The wind is howling from the NNE at 19 mph in the morning, completely ruining things. The swell is there, but you don't want to be out in that.

Wednesday the 22nd is where it gets interesting. The swell picks up to 6ft from the W, still with that 11-second period, and we get glassy conditions all day. The wind is light from the SSE in the morning, swinging to a glassy W in the afternoon. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. Wave energy is strong (1027 morning, 1003 afternoon). This is one of the true standouts of the outlook.

Thursday the 23rd is a bit of a mixed bag. The morning is glassy, with a 4ft W swell (9 seconds), but the afternoon turns onshore and is only marginal. Hit the dawn patrol.

Friday the 24th morning could be a sleeper. It's glassy and calm, with a 6ft WSW swell and an 11-second period, energy is high (988). The afternoon turns onshore though, so again, get it early.

The weekend of the 25th and 26th is looking pretty average. Saturday has cross-on winds from the SW making it messy, and Sunday is a bit of a mix of glass and cross-on. Not your prime time.

Now, look ahead to Monday the 27th of July. This is the big one. The swell jumps to 7ft from the WSW with an 11-second period, and it's glassy calm in the morning. The energy is very strong (1662). The afternoon stays glassy with a 5ft swell but with a 14-second period. This is a standout, but remember, at over 5ft it's too big for beginners. For the experienced crew, this is what you've been waiting for.

Tuesday the 28th of July keeps the run going. Glassy morning with a 7ft WSW swell (13 seconds) and a glassy afternoon with a 7ft WSW swell (12 seconds). Wave energy is peaking here (1396 and 1605). Another day for the experienced surfer only.

The rest of the week from Wednesday the 29th of July into the start of August is a bit more marginal. There's plenty of swell, consistently over 6ft and up to 7ft, but the wind becomes a factor with various cross and cross-on breezes. The quality won't be as pure as those standout days.

Then we get into the start of August. Saturday the 1st and Monday the 3rd are showing very large swell, 10ft. The wind is favorable or glassy, but the wave comment says it's simply too big for this break. Only the absolute experts might be tempted, and conditions will be heavy. This is not a day for the average surfer to be in the water.

So, to wrap it up: your best bets are Wednesday the 22nd and Monday the 27th of July. Both offer clean, glassy waves with good energy and size for the experienced surfer. Don't sleep on the dawn patrol on the 23rd and 24th either.

Rusty.

Read more