The Point (Elands Bay) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s break down what’s ahead.

We’ve got a slow start, no doubt. The first few days are a bit meh – cross-off winds and so-so conditions, but the swell energy is there in the moderate range – around 1028 to 762 (combined energy) – so don’t write it off just yet. The real fun starts building toward the end of the first week and into the second.

The Point (Elands Bay) is the spot. This reef, point, and rivermouth setup is exposed to the SW, and the optimum swell direction is SW, which is exactly what we’re gettin’. Water temp is sitting at 54°F, which is a huge 5°F colder than usual for this time of year – that’s seriously unusual, so you’ll want a thick wetsuit and booties.

The standout period starts on Sunday, 23 August. Morning brings a solid 7ft swell from WSW, period 12 seconds, combined energy of 1333 (moderate-to-strong) and clean conditions with a gentle cross-off breeze. This is excellent for experienced surfers – the size is over 5ft, so beginners might find it a handful, but for the rest of us, it’s proper.

Then, on Tuesday, 25 August, we get another gem: 5ft swell from SW with a very long 15-second period, combined energy of 1107. The morning is glassy with just a whisper of wind – that’s a rare treat. Long-period groundswell like this will wrap beautifully around the point, giving those long, lined-up walls. Could be a bit straight for the beachies, but here at the point, it’s gonna be magic.

After that, we see a bit of a lull midweek, but don’t sleep on Friday, 28 August. The morning kicks off with a 7ft swell from WSW, period 17 seconds – that’s a very long, powerful groundswell. Combined energy hits 3274 (strong). This is big, though – over 8ft on the sets – so only for the experts. The afternoon pushes up to 8ft, with energy of 3648, but the wind picks up to 35 km/h, so it’ll be a battle.

The real cherry on top is Saturday, 29 August morning: 7ft from WSW, 14-second period, combined energy of 1800, and glassy conditions. That’s as clean as it gets for a solid swell. Then Sunday, 30 August morning is also glassy, with 8ft from WSW, 14 seconds, and energy of 2068. Both mornings are prime for experienced surfers – the crowd factor is “sometimes,” so you might have a few friends out, but with waves this good, that’s expected.

The last few days into September fade a bit, with onshore winds and messy conditions, but that first week and a half is where the story is.

So to sum it up: Sunday 23 August and Saturday 29 August are the ones to circle on the calendar. Big, clean, powerful groundswell with light winds. Get out there.

Rusty.

Read more