Ruggles Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the pipe for Ruggles. Gotta be straight with you – this outlook starts off pretty grim, with a long run of disappointing conditions all the way through the end of July and the first week of August.

We're looking at a stretch from right now, Wednesday 29 July, all the way through to Saturday 8 August, where there's just nothing worth getting out of bed for. The first week is a write-off: tiny swell, mixed-up winds, and mostly poor surf. There’s a brief moment on Thursday 30 July morning with a clean 2 ft wave from the south under light offshore winds, but at only 7 seconds period and combined energy of just 91, it’s small and weak. That afternoon cleans up a bit with a moderate offshore breeze, but the swell stays tiny at 3 ft. Honestly, it’s just not enough to get excited about. That whole first week is a big gap of poor conditions – you’re better off doing something else.

The real story starts to shift around Sunday 9 August. We finally get a pulse of proper energy. That Sunday morning brings 2 ft south swell with a long period of 11 seconds and a moderate offshore wind from the NNW. The combined energy hits 174 (moderate), and it's clean. But the standout moment comes Sunday afternoon: the swell jumps to 4 ft from the south, period stretching to 12 seconds, with combined energy surging to 472 (moderate to strong). The wind turns gentle offshore from the NNW, giving us clean, lined-up waves. This is by far the best on offer in the whole outlook – a proper groundswell pushing through that reef and point setup.

Monday 10 August morning takes it a step further. We’re looking at 5 ft south swell at 13 seconds, combined energy of 738 (strong). Winds are light and cross-off from the NNW, so the waves will have shape and power. Now, that 5 ft is getting into the intermediate zone – could be a bit much for beginners, but for anyone with some experience, this is the real deal. The only catch: Monday afternoon the wind swings onshore and chops it up, so you want to be out first thing. The water temp is 71°, which is bang on average for the time of year, so no surprises there.

Tuesday 11 August morning has a glassy session with 3 ft from the SSE, 12-second period, and combined energy at 294 (moderate). That glassy wind is a major positive; it’ll feel like butter out there. But it doesn't last – the wind shifts again by afternoon.

After that, the swell fades and the winds get messy again for the rest of the second week. A few pulses of longer-period swell (11-12 seconds) pop up, but with onshore winds, it’s not worth chasing. The real takeaway? Circle your calendar for Sunday 9 August afternoon and Monday 10 August morning at Ruggles. That’s where the magic is. The rest of the 16 days is mostly a wait.

Stay tuned, forecasts can always change.
Rusty.

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