
Surf Forecasts:
Strand (Pipe) surf forecast from 19 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 23 Jul, 11PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, SSW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 23 Jul, 11PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 17s period, SSW swell with 5,337 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 20 Jul, 8AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 10s period with SW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Strand (Pipe) this week:
The surf forecast for Strand (Pipe) over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Jul 20) at 8AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.3m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 9s. Another secondary swell of 0.3m and 2s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Strand (Pipe) in the next 16 days are 3.0m 17s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Jul 23) at 11PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.1m 5s period and expected on Saturday (Jul 25) at 11PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8AM (Mon 20th Jul) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 11PM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
| Most Powerful | 11PM (Thu 23rd Jul) | 10ft (3.0m) 17s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Strand (Pipe) over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s on the cards for Strand (Pipe). We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but the second half of the week is looking like it could be something special. The water’s sitting at about 59°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so nothing to worry about there.
The first few days are a write-off. Sunday and Monday are all poor surf, onshore winds and messy conditions. You won’t see me out there. That changes Tuesday morning, July 21st. We’ve got glassy conditions, a solid 6ft SW swell with a 14-second period pushing some serious energy through (1311). This is where it gets good. The wind is light and offshore, meaning clean walls. This is a standout for experienced surfers; that size and power isn't for the beginners.
The real gem in the whole 16-day window looks to be the morning of Thursday, July 24th. We’re looking at a clean 8ft SSW groundswell with a 14-second period, and once again, glassy conditions. The combined energy is massive (2317). This is proper, powerful surf. It’s big enough that you’ll want your wits about you, but for those who can handle it, this is the best on offer.
After that, the surf settles down but stays fun. The mornings of Sunday, July 27th and Wednesday, July 29th offer some glassy, clean conditions, though the size drops off. The 29th sees an 8ft SSE swell early, but it’s a short-period 8-second windswell, so it’ll be a bit crumbly and less organised than the groundswells earlier in the week.
The very end of the forecast has a nice little long-period 16-second SSW groundswell on August 1st, but it’s only 2ft to 2ft, so more of a longboard or finless session.
Overall, don't bother paddling out until the 21st. Then lock in that Thursday the 24th morning. It’s the pick of the bunch.
- Rusty
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 17°C on Mon afternoon, min 11°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Thu morning. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri afternoon, min 11°C on Wed morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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) | SW 12 | SW 9 | SW 11 | SW 9 | SW 8 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 13 | SSW 11 | SSW 12 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SW 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
309 | 419 | 548 | 272 | 118 | 259 | 1265 | 1322 | 862 | 531 | 505 | 269 | 657 | 993 | 4451 | 2317 | 1700 | 1519 | 1326 | 849 | 444 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | on | cross | cross-on | on | glassy | glassy | cross | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | glassy | off | glassy | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off |
High Tide | 7:00PM1.44m | 7:20AM1.18m | 7:44PM1.32m | 8:12AM1.08m | 8:35PM1.21m | 9:19AM1.01m | 9:42PM1.12m | 10:47AM0.98m | 11:05PM1.09m | 12:12PM1.02m | 00:20AM1.12m | 1:11PM1.10m | 1:15AM1.19m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 12:38PM0.27m | 1:23AM0.34m | 1:19PM0.39m | 2:13AM0.44m | 2:06PM0.51m | 3:13AM0.52m | 3:11PM0.61m | 4:33AM0.56m | 4:45PM0.65m | 5:58AM0.54m | 6:16PM0.62m | 7:00AM0.48m | 7:16PM0.55m | ||||||||
7:46 | — | — | 7:46 | — | — | 7:45 | — | — | 7:43 | — | — | 7:43 | — | — | 7:43 | — | — | 7:43 | — | — | |
— | 5:54 | — | — | 5:55 | — | — | 5:55 | — | — | 5:57 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:59 | — | |
mm | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 14 |
Feels °C | 10 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 14 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 12 | SW 9 | SW 11 | SW 9 | SW 8 | SW 7 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SW 12 | SW 12 | SSW 13 | SSW 11 | SSW 12 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 14 | SSW 13 | SSW 12 | SW 12 |
309 | 419 | 548 | 272 | 118 | 56 | 1265 | 1322 | 862 | 531 | 505 | 269 | 657 | 993 | 4451 | 2317 | 1700 | 1519 | 1326 | 849 | 444 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 10 | SSE 9 | SSW 10 | SSW 16 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 12 | SE 11 | SSW 14 | SW 12 | SE 13 | SSW 19 | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | SSW 18 | WSW 13 | SSW 13 | — | SSW 12 |
54 | 33 | 18 | 8 | 72 | 259 | 21 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 65 | 232 | 7 | 210 | 14 | 13 | 107 | 808 | 817 | — | 240 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 15 | SSE 9 | ESE 10 | SSE 9 | SSW 18 | SW 12 | W 9 | W 9 | — | S 15 | SE 14 | SE 14 | SE 13 | SE 12 | — | — | — | ESE 11 | — | — | SE 5 |
21 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 62 | 68 | 25 | 14 | — | 4 | 8 | 8 | 26 | 6 | — | — | — | 12 | — | — | 12 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNW 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NW 2 | NNW 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | SE 4 | SSE 4 | ESE 5 |
11 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 13 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 30 | 35 | 33 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 16 | 16 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 5 | 16 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Cape Town | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
- Map Icons:
Break
Live Wave Height (m)
Live Wind Speed (km/h)
Surf Rating (10 Max)
Ocean Swells (m)
Wind Speed (km/h)
Information about the Strand (Pipe) Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Strand (Pipe) provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Strand (Pipe) can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Strand (Pipe) 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 (Strand (Pipe)) 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 Strand (Pipe) 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.
Strand (Pipe) is 18 km (11 miles) from the city of Grabouw. If you plan a holiday in Cape Town, look for hotels and other accommodation in Grabouw. Grabouw has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.










