Surf Forecasts:
Rock Wave surf forecast from 27 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 28 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 6ft (1.8m), 10s period, E swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 3 Sep, 2AM (local time) - 13ft (4.0m), 17s period, SW swell with 8,246 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 28 Aug, 11AM (local time) - 6ft (1.8m), 10s period with E swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Rock Wave this week:
The surf forecast for Rock Wave over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Friday (Aug 28) at 11AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.8m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 1.1m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Rock Wave in the next 16 days are 4.0m 17s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Sep 03) at 2AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 3.0m 9s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 27) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 11AM (Fri 28th Aug) | 6ft (1.8m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 11AM (Fri 28th Aug) | 6ft (1.8m) 10s |
| Most Powerful | 2AM (Thu 3rd Sep) | 13ft (4.0m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Rock Wave over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Imperial Units
Alright, let’s get real about what’s coming. The water’s sitting at 66°, which is just a touch cooler than usual – nothing crazy.
The first chance for a wave is Friday morning, August 28th, at Rock Wave. That’s your highlight. Swell is 6ft from the East with a 10-second period, a light N wind keeping it cross-off, and the combined energy is 1034 (moderate). The forecast says excellent for experienced surfers. Crowds can show up, so get there early. This is the one.
Saturday the 29th morning still has some head-high stuff at 6ft from the East, but the energy drops to 827. It’s marginal, but still rideable if you’re keen.
Then we hit a long lull. From Saturday afternoon the 29th all the way to Saturday morning, September 5th, the conditions are mostly trash – lumpy, cross-shore wind, and small or jumbled surf. Don’t waste the gas.
Now, for the big boys. The morning of Sunday, September 6th, is a beast. A massive 13ft swell from the SE, 12-second period, and glassy conditions with no wind. The combined energy is a monster at 5890 (strong). This is heavy, powerful groundswell. Only for experts. If you’re at a reef or point break, it’ll be magic, but a beach break might turn into a washing machine. It’s a long way off, so keep an eye on it.
Monday afternoon, September 7th, is a nice little cleanup. A clean 5ft swell from the SSW, 9-second period, and glassy. The forecast says “very good surf conditions.” Energy is moderate at 837.
After that, it’s another flat spell until the end of the forecast. Nothing worth paddling for.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Sun morning. Warm (max 35°C on Fri afternoon, min 18°C on Thu night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the ENE on Thu afternoon, light winds from the NE by Fri afternoon). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 8mm), mostly falling on Sun afternoon. Warm (max 23°C on Tue afternoon, min 13°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Thu 27 | Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | ||||||||||||||
PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 12 | S 12 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | SSE 11 | S 11 | S 6 | SSW 6 | S 7 | E 10 | E 10 | SSW 8 | SSW 10 | SSW 10 | SSW 12 | SSW 7 | SSW 8 | SW 17 |
Wave Graph  | ||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 787 | 575 | 602 | 627 | 584 | 596 | 130 | 61 | 62 | 106 | 106 | 158 | 148 | 264 | 246 | 123 | 220 | 243 | 687 | 8246 |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross | cross | cross | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off |
High Tide | 3:41PM1.58m | 3:47AM1.57m | 4:07PM1.67m | 4:14AM1.61m | 4:34PM1.73m | 4:42AM1.62m | 5:01PM1.74m | 5:11AM1.59m | 5:30PM1.71m | 5:41AM1.52m | 6:01PM1.63m | 6:14AM1.42m | 6:36PM1.50m | |||||||
Low Tide | 9:45PM0.15m | 9:53AM0.03m | 10:12PM0.08m | 10:19AM-0.01m | 10:41PM0.05m | 10:46AM-0.02m | 11:10PM0.05m | 11:14AM0.01m | 11:40PM0.09m | 11:44AM0.08m | 00:13AM0.18m | 12:17PM0.19m | 00:51AM0.31m | |||||||
 |  |  | |  | | | |  | |  | |  | | | | | | | | |
 | — | — | 6:30 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — |
 | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:47 | — | — | 5:47 | — | — | 5:49 | — | — | 5:50 | — | — | 5:50 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4 |
Temp °C | 23 | 21 | 33 | 35 | 25 | 32 | 30 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 16 | 15 | 17 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 16 |
Feels °C | 18 | 18 | 30 | 33 | 25 | 29 | 28 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 18 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 12 | E 9 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | SSE 11 | ENE 10 | E 10 | ENE 10 | S 7 | E 10 | E 10 | SSW 8 | SSW 10 | SSW 10 | ENE 8 | ENE 9 | SSW 15 | SSW 16 |
| kJ | 787 | 742 | 602 | 627 | 584 | 596 | 130 | 402 | 196 | 160 | 106 | 158 | 148 | 128 | 246 | 111 | 264 | 129 | 314 | 3415 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 13 | S 12 | S 12 | S 12 | S 11 | SSE 12 | SW 14 | S 11 | SSE 5 | SW 11 | E 10 | SSW 8 | SW 12 | E 10 | E 10 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | SSW 12 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 |
| kJ | 421 | 575 | 339 | 274 | 260 | 224 | 8 | 61 | 21 | 18 | 208 | 79 | 35 | 115 | 92 | 123 | 220 | 138 | 62 | 26 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | SSE 15 | SSE 15 | SSE 14 | SW 14 | SW 10 | SSE 14 | SSW 6 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 11 | SSE 10 | SE 10 | S 9 | — | SSW 15 | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | 93 | 125 | 120 | 7 | 16 | 18 | 13 | 20 | 22 | 11 | 10 | 4 | 2 | — | 86 | — | — | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 8 | ENE 9 | ENE 9 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | ENE 10 | E 10 | SSW 5 | S 6 | SSW 6 | — | — | SSW 7 | SSW 8 | — | ENE 5 | — | SSW 7 | SSW 8 | SW 17 |
| kJ | 952 | 1342 | 1090 | 1137 | 1633 | 1233 | 799 | 41 | 62 | 106 | — | — | 52 | 264 | — | 108 | — | 243 | 687 | 8246 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 495 | 4 | 0 | 40 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 147 | 3 | 136 | 2 | 2 | 454 | 0 | 120 | 321 | 103 | 646 | 574 | 31 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Eastern Cape - Wild Coast | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Rock Wave Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Rock Wave provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Rock Wave can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Rock Wave surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Rock Wave) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Rock Wave may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Are you planning a holiday in Eastern Cape - Wild Coast? If you are looking for accommodation near Rock Wave, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Eastern Cape - Wild Coast, consider staying in East London which is 25 km (16 miles) away. Other places in and around Eastern Cape - Wild Coast where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Butterworth which is 60 km (37 miles) away, Stutterheim and Bisho.
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