Ritoque Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for us.

We’re kicking off with a bit of a slow start. The first couple of days are a write-off for any decent surf, with a messy cross-off wind and rain on the 21st. Nothing to get excited about there. Then, from the 22nd of July, things start to look up. We’ve got a clean, glassy mornin’ coming in with a solid 6ft swell from the west, period around 10 seconds. The energy is already building, sitting at 737 (moderate), and the wind is dead calm. That’s a beautiful start to the day. The afternoon holds that glassy feel too, with a touch more energy (915) and a slightly longer 11-second period. This is a proper little window for a session.

The standout period really lands on the 24th of July, Friday morning. That’s the one to circle. We’re looking at a 7ft west swell, a long 11-second period, and perfect off-shore conditions from the SSE. The energy is strong at 1053, and the report says it’s excellent for experienced surfers. That’s a solid, powerful wave with clean faces. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so a steamer is still the call.

The following week keeps the momentum going. The 27th of July, Monday morning, is another cracker: 6ft swell from the WSW, glassy with a slight air, and energy hitting 1190 (strong). That’s a clean, powerful morning. Then on the 28th, Tuesday morning, we get a 7ft swell with a solid 12-second period and a light offshore from the ESE. That’s 1471 energy (strong) and clean conditions. The 29th of July, Wednesday morning, is the real heavyweight in the first week: a 8ft swell from the WSW, 13-second period, glassy, and energy at 2114 (very strong). That’s a serious, long-period groundswell. For a spot like Ritoque, which is exposed and fairly consistent, that long period will make for some beautiful, powerful lines, but at this size, it’s for the experienced crew only.

Now, into the second week, things get a bit wild. The 31st of July, Friday afternoon, sees a massive 15ft swell from the NW, but the energy is off the charts at 3876. The report says it’s too big for this break. Unless you’re a tow-in specialist, you’ll want to sit that one out. The 1st of August, Saturday, is no better, with 13ft swells and energy over 5000. That’s just dangerous. The 2nd of August, Sunday, drops a touch to 10ft, but still too big for a comfortable paddle. The 3rd of August, Monday, is a write-off with strong onshore winds.

The best bet for the second week, and it’s a long-range one so keep an eye on the charts, is the 5th of August, Wednesday morning. We’re looking at 6ft from the SW, an 8-second period, and glassy conditions. The energy is 459 (moderate). It’s not the biggest, but it’s clean and rideable, a nice little window to finish the run.

Rusty, signing off.

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