Ritoque Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of surf coming at Ritoque over the next couple of weeks, but you’ll need your wits about you to pick the right sessions. The water’s sitting at 55°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – throw an extra layer on.

The first bit of action kicks off Saturday morning, the 4th of July. It's a modest start with 3ft of SW swell running at a long 19 seconds, but the cross-shore breeze is only light. The combined energy is sitting at 1014 – moderate. It’s more of a warm-up than a highlight, but you’ll find a few clean waves if you’re keen.

Saturday afternoon, the 4th, is where we see a real step up. Swell jumps to 5ft from the SW, period at 18 seconds, and the breeze goes cross-offshore with a gentle strength. The energy kicks up to 1587, making for clean, well-shaped lines – excellent for those with some experience. This is a standout session.

Sunday morning, the 5th, is arguably the best of the near-term. We’ve got 7ft of SW swell, 16-second period, and light cross-offshore winds. The combined energy is a strong 2442, and conditions are clean. This one’s for experienced surfers, as the size is pushing into the too-big-for-beginners zone. The long period means sets will have some punch and the gaps between them; Ritoque, being an exposed beach setup, might see those waves breaking a bit straight, so pick your peak.

Sunday afternoon takes a turn – the swell bumps to 8ft, but the wind swings cross-onshore and strengthens to 12 mph, making it choppy. Avoid that one.

Monday morning, the 6th of July, is a gem. Glassy conditions – absolute zero wind – with a 7ft SW swell at 15 seconds. The energy is strong at 1705, and the surf is clean as a whistle. This is a top contender for the best session of the whole outlook, especially for experienced surfers.

The rest of the first week and into the second is a mixed bag. Tuesday the 7th morning gives you clean, glassy conditions again with 4ft SW swell and light energy (751), but it’s on the smaller side. Most of the following days are plagued by cross-onshore winds and chop, with marginal conditions until Thursday the 16th.

Now, for the long-range standouts – and they’re worth waiting for. Thursday morning, the 16th of July, brings a solid 8ft SW swell with a 15-second period and a combined energy of 3338 – that’s strong. Winds are light cross-onshore, but early on Friday the 17th you get similar size (8ft, SW, 16 seconds, 3137 energy) with a light cross-onshore breeze. These are expert-only in size and have some chop, but the power is undeniable.

The absolute last highlight is Saturday morning, the 18th of July. The swell drops back to 5ft from the SW, but the wind goes glassy again. It’s clean and user-friendly for experienced surfers, with moderate energy (1140). A nice way to finish the run.

Overall, the first week has the most potential. Monday the 6th is your best bet for clean, powerful waves. Saturday afternoon the 18th is a promising end to the outlook, but less certain this far out. Crowds at Ritoque are “sometimes” an issue, so expect company on those good days.

Rusty.

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