Surf Forecasts:
Rock Wave surf forecast from 19 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 20 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 7ft (2.1m), 10s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 24 Jul, 2PM (local time) - 7ft (2.2m), 16s period, S swell with 2,605 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 19 Jul, 5PM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 10s period with SSE 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 Sunday (Jul 19) at 5PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.6m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 0.7m and 13s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Rock Wave in the next 16 days are 2.2m 16s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 24) at 2PM. Winds are predicted to be onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.8m 4s period and expected on Wednesday (Jul 22) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 5PM (Sun 19th Jul) | 5ft (1.6m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 8AM (Mon 20th Jul) | 7ft (2.1m) 10s |
| Most Powerful | 2PM (Fri 24th Jul) | 7ft (2.2m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Rock Wave over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s talk about Rock Wave. This reef setup is sitting on the S swell, and we’ve got a decent run ahead. The water’s running cold right now – 64.2°F and that’s 4.1°F below normal, so pull on the thicker rubber. The first decent window is Sunday morning, July 19th. Glassy conditions with a 3.6ft S swell at 10 seconds, moderate energy (594). It’s not big, but that clean surface will make it feel fun. Crowds can be a thing here sometimes, but early you might have it quiet.
Monday morning, July 20th, is the standout. The swell jumps to 8.2ft from the SW, period 10 seconds, and the wind is a light cross-off from the SW, so the faces will be clean. Combined energy is strong at 2257. This is for experienced surfers – 8.2ft is pushing it for beginners. The direction isn’t bang-on optimum (S is best), but it’s close enough to get good lines. Monday afternoon gets messy, so morning is the call.
Tuesday morning July 21st is another glassy session – 3.9ft SE swell, 11 seconds, energy 662. Light wind, clean. Wednesday morning July 22nd also looks good: 3.9ft SSW at 13 seconds, cross-off NNE breeze, energy 721. Both are solid for a reef.
The following week has some size but wind and direction fight it. Thursday July 23rd morning has 5.2ft SSW but a moderate offshore from WSW – clean, but the period drops to 8 seconds, so less push. That afternoon gets strong onshore wind, forget it. Friday July 24th brings a long-period 18-second SSW swell at 5.2ft, but the wind is light cross-on. Energy is high (2046), but the cross-on texture will hurt. Saturday July 25th is cross-wind all day – not worth it.
The last few days of July and into August have some promise but less certainty. Sunday July 26th morning is glassy again with 3.6ft SSW at 12 seconds, energy 409 – a nice little session if you’re keen. Tuesday July
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 21°C on Mon afternoon, min 13°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 3mm), mostly falling on Thu night. Warm (max 27°C on Wed afternoon, min 14°C on Thu night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the SW on Thu afternoon, calm by Fri morning). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tuesday 21 | Wednesday 22 | Thursday 23 | Friday 24 | Saturday 25 | |||||||||||||||
AM | 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 10 | SSE 10 | SE 12 | SW 10 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SSW 15 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SSW 8 | SSW 10 | S 11 | SSW 18 | S 16 | S 15 | SSW 15 | S 14 | SSW 13 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 262 | 490 | 723 | 1290 | 511 | 494 | 369 | 392 | 826 | 454 | 280 | 263 | 315 | 906 | 878 | 1501 | 2479 | 1263 | 886 | 1077 | 711 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | glassy | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | off | glassy | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross-on | cross | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off |
High Tide | 7:18PM1.48m | 7:24AM1.25m | 7:57PM1.36m | 8:06AM1.13m | 8:42PM1.23m | 9:00AM1.03m | 9:46PM1.13m | 10:35AM0.96m | 11:25PM1.08m | 12:34PM0.98m | 00:57AM1.11m | 1:46PM1.07m | 1:55AM1.20m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:52PM0.20m | 1:29AM0.38m | 1:28PM0.32m | 2:11AM0.48m | 2:08PM0.45m | 3:03AM0.57m | 3:00PM0.58m | 4:20AM0.64m | 4:26PM0.66m | 6:10AM0.64m | 6:23PM0.66m | 7:31AM0.56m | 7:40PM0.58m | ||||||||
 |  |  | | | | | | | | |  | | |  | | | | | | | |
 | 7:05 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | 7:05 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — | 7:03 | — | — |
 | — | 5:21 | — | — | 5:21 | — | — | 5:22 | — | — | 5:22 | — | — | 5:22 | — | — | 5:23 | — | — | 5:24 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 19 | 20 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 16 | 25 | 27 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 15 | 19 | 20 | 16 |
Feels °C | 18 | 18 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 15 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | SSE 10 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SE 12 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | S 12 | SE 11 | S 11 | SSW 18 | S 16 | S 15 | SSW 15 | S 14 | SSW 13 |
| kJ | 262 | 490 | 723 | 624 | 511 | 494 | 369 | 343 | 826 | 454 | 280 | 263 | 151 | 64 | 878 | 1501 | 2479 | 1263 | 886 | 1077 | 711 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 10 | SE 13 | E 10 | SSW 10 | SSW 10 | SSW 11 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | SE 11 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 12 | ENE 8 | SE 11 | S 11 | SE 11 | ENE 5 | SSE 8 | ENE 5 | ENE 6 |
| kJ | 248 | 173 | 49 | 312 | 175 | 145 | 203 | 392 | 250 | 244 | 212 | 169 | 108 | 13 | 60 | 498 | 30 | 7 | 47 | 9 | 10 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 9 | SW 9 | S 10 | E 10 | S 12 | SSW 15 | SSW 11 | E 9 | E 9 | E 6 | E 7 | ENE 8 | ENE 8 | — | ENE 9 | ESE 11 | ENE 8 | SE 11 | ENE 5 | SE 10 | SE 10 |
| kJ | 84 | 36 | 31 | 31 | 76 | 46 | 90 | 15 | 6 | 23 | 45 | 49 | 21 | — | 8 | 47 | 6 | 18 | 9 | 4 | 4 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | SW 12 | SW 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | SW 5 | SSW 8 | SSW 10 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | 264 | 1290 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 45 | 315 | 906 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 5 | 454 | 321 | 1 | 1 | 275 | 0 | 2 | 31 | 0 |
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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