Vredenberg Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming down the pipe for Vredenberg Point.

We’ve got a bit of a wild ride ahead. The forecast kicks off with a lot of energy, but it’s not all gonna be user-friendly. The water’s sitting at 57°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – a good couple of degrees off, so you’ll want that extra mm on the rubber.

The main story for the next week is big, powerful SW swells hammering the point, but the wind is frequently a problem. Thursday afternoon (20th August) is a washout for paddle surfing – we’re talking 10ft of SW groundswell at 13 seconds, with a massive 3057 (strong wave energy) on the combined scale, but that 19 mph south cross-wind will make it a messy, lumpy battle. That’s a big, challenging wave only for the very experienced, and even then, the wind will ruin it.

Friday (21st) and the weekend are a write-off for quality. Friday morning has some size at 7ft, but the wind is cross. Saturday morning (22nd August) is the first real glimmer – 4ft of SSW swell with *zero* wind. Glassy conditions, but the swell is a bit small and the period is only 10 seconds, so it’s not a standout. Saturday afternoon gets ruined by the wind again.

The first true standout window is Tuesday morning, 25th August. The swell drops to a much more manageable 7ft from the SW, and the period jumps to a very long 14 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. This is a point break, so the long period will wrap in and set up beautifully. The wind is a light SE cross-off at 9 mph, leaving it clean. The combined energy is still a strong 2258, but the conditions are described as "excellent for experienced surfers." This is the session to circle. Be aware that with swell over 7ft, it’s pushing into expert territory, and the point can get a bit shifty with that long period, but the quality should be top-notch. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so get in early.

After that, we get a couple of quieter, cleaner days. Wednesday afternoon (26th August) is worth a mention – a clean 5ft from the WSW with glassy conditions and a light north breeze at 3 mph. Very clean, small, good for a longboard. The energy is moderate (924). Then Monday morning 31st August brings another glassy one – 5ft SSW, clean, light winds, 10-second period, and a combined energy of 630. Good, fun small-wave options.

Then things get unreliable and messy again through the start of September. The big news at the very end of the run is Wednesday afternoon, 2nd September. The model is spitting out a massive 16ft WSW groundswell at 14 seconds. That’s an absolute monster – combined energy of 9884, which is very, very strong. The wind is light cross-on, which is the only saving grace, but the note is clear: “wind and tide favorable, but the swell is predicted to be too big for this break.” That is a serious, serious swell that will be dangerous and likely close out the point. Only absolute experts with a death wish, and even then, the setup might be more interesting for big-wave tow surfing or even kite surfing, given the relentless power. The following morning (3rd September) is glassy with 10ft, but that is still an enormous wave for this spot.

The Standout: Without a doubt, Tuesday morning, 25th August. That 7ft SW groundswell with a 14-second period and clean, offshore-angled breeze is the clear winner for quality, manageable power, and good shape.

The Honourable Mention: Monday morning, 31st August for a smaller, cleaner, fun session.

There are no good options at all from Thursday 27th afternoon through Sunday the 30th, and again from Tuesday 1st September morning through to the big, unmanageable swell.

Stay safe out there.

- Rusty

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