Surf Forecasts:
Vetchs Reef surf forecast from 15 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 17 Aug, 8PM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 10s period, E swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 16 Aug, 8PM (local time) - 6ft (1.9m), 11s period, E swell with 894 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 17 Aug, 8PM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 10s period with E swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Vetchs Reef this week:
The surf forecast for Vetchs Reef over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 17) at 8PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.6m and 10s period with a secondary swell of 0.1m and 10s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Vetchs Reef in the next 16 days are 1.9m 11s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 16) at 8PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.2m 7s period and expected on Thursday (Aug 20) at 2PM.
| Wave Type | Time (SAST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 8PM (Mon 17th Aug) | 5ft (1.6m) 10s |
| Best Surf | 8PM (Mon 17th Aug) | 5ft (1.6m) 10s |
| Most Powerful | 8PM (Sun 16th Aug) | 6ft (1.9m) 11s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Vetchs Reef over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards.
Honestly, looking over the next 16 days, the surf situation is pretty grim overall. We’ve got a blank run for the first half of the period with nothing worth chasing. From Saturday the 15th right through to the end of the month, the options are extremely limited. For a spot like Vetchs Reef that is rarely breaking, this kind of dry spell isn't a huge surprise, but it’s still frustrating.
The best of a bad bunch looks to be around Tuesday the 27th and the end of the month. On the morning of Thursday the 27th, we’ve got a cleaner outlook with a cross-off breeze from the SSW blowing at 19 mph. The swell is small though, at 3 ft from the ENE with a short period (7 seconds). The combined energy is weak at best (84). This could offer a few clean, if gutless, waves for the experienced crew on a reef that needs everything to line up. Then again, the afternoon of the 27th cleans right up with a light 9 mph cross-off wind and a slightly better 4 ft ENE swell. Energy remains low (171), but it's the cleanest window in a long run of poor conditions. For a spot that is rarely breaking and prone to rotten wind, this is as good as it gets in the period.
We also see a tiny flash of something on Saturday the 22nd, with clean conditions and a cross-off breeze. But the swell is a paltry 2 ft to 3 ft from a poor direction, with energy barely registering (36-91). Not worth paddling out for unless you’re desperate.
Sadly, the rest of the 16 days is a write-off. The northeasterly trades blow onshore or cross-onshore for almost the entire forecast, ruining the shape. The water temp is about average for the time of year at around 70°, so you won't freeze. With no solid groundswell and persistent crap wind, the setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing through most of this. That's about all I've got for you. Keep an eye on the charts; it won't stay this poor forever.
Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Warm (max 22°C on Mon afternoon, min 16°C on Sat morning). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Tue afternoon. Warm (max 21°C on Wed afternoon, min 18°C on Tue morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 15 | Sunday 16 | Monday 17 | Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | |||||||||||||||
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) | E 10 | E 10 | E 11 | E 11 | E 11 | E 11 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | E 8 | NE 6 | ENE 7 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | ENE 4 | NE 6 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 434 | 432 | 496 | 515 | 534 | 762 | 452 | 484 | 349 | 234 | 159 | 123 | 112 | 86 | 111 | 71 | 29 | 20 | 21 | 27 | 135 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | on | cross-on | cross |
High Tide | 5:30PM2.06m | 5:41AM1.91m | 6:00PM1.97m | 6:10AM1.80m | 6:29PM1.85m | 6:38AM1.67m | 6:58PM1.71m | 7:05AM1.52m | 7:27PM1.56m | 7:37AM1.37m | 8:04PM1.40m | 8:28AM1.22m | 9:28PM1.25m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 11:17AM0.12m | 11:39PM0.23m | 11:47AM0.20m | 00:10AM0.33m | 12:15PM0.32m | 00:39AM0.45m | 12:42PM0.46m | 1:08AM0.59m | 1:09PM0.61m | 1:41AM0.74m | 1:39PM0.78m | 2:29AM0.89m | 2:31PM0.94m | ||||||||
 | |  | | | | | | |  |  |  | | | | | |  | | | | |
 | 6:28 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | 6:22 | — | — |
 | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:31 | — | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:34 | — | — | 5:34 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 19 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 18 | 21 | 22 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 19 | 19 |
Feels °C | 17 | 17 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 19 | 17 | 17 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | E 10 | E 11 | E 11 | E 11 | E 11 | E 10 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | E 8 | ENE 6 | ENE 7 | SSW 14 | SSW 15 | S 7 | SSW 16 | S 16 |
| kJ | 434 | 432 | 496 | 515 | 534 | 762 | 452 | 484 | 349 | 234 | 159 | 123 | 112 | 86 | 95 | 71 | 143 | 167 | 92 | 849 | 1121 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 14 | S 14 | S 13 | S 12 | S 11 | S 10 | SSE 10 | SE 10 | S 16 | SW 13 | SSW 16 | S 5 | SSW 6 | SSW 16 | SSW 15 | E 8 | E 8 | E 8 | SSW 16 | — | — |
| kJ | 16 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 26 | 16 | 11 | 188 | 169 | 46 | 29 | 19 | 344 | — | — |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 9 | S 14 | S 8 | SW 13 | SW 12 | SW 15 | SW 12 | SW 11 | S 9 | S 18 | SW 11 | SSW 16 | SSW 14 | — | — | — | — | ENE 8 | E 8 | — | — |
| kJ | 1 | 4 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 25 | 82 | — | — | — | — | 20 | 21 | — | — |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | ENE 5 | NE 5 | NNE 5 | — | SSW 2 | SSW 4 | S 4 | — | — | ENE 3 | NE 6 | SSW 6 | S 7 | S 7 | — | ENE 4 | NE 6 |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | 37 | 84 | 46 | — | 1 | 10 | 21 | — | — | 7 | 111 | 186 | 400 | 210 | — | 27 | 135 |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 156 | 237 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 154 | 156 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Vetchs Reef Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Vetchs Reef provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Vetchs Reef can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Vetchs Reef 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 (Vetchs Reef) 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 Vetchs Reef 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 Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast? If you are looking for accommodation near Vetchs Reef, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, consider staying in Durban which is 5 km (3 miles) away. Other places in and around Durban/KwaZulu-Natal South Coast where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Glenwood which is 7 km (4 miles) away, Kwamashu, Umhlanga and Mount Edgecombe.
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