Yzerfontein Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what the next couple of weeks are serving up for our stretch of coast.

Overall, we’re looking at a run that starts a bit messy, finds a few clean windows, then gets blown out by a serious pulse of swell that’s just too much for the sand and reef around here. There are a couple of mornings that are going to be well worth an early paddle, but you’ll need to pick your moments and know your limits.

The first real chance we get is Saturday morning, the 15th of August. Yzerfontein is a beach and reef set-up, and it’s got that cross-off breeze from the ESE at 10 km/h which will have it looking clean. We’ve got 6ft of WSW swell with a 14-second period—that’s got some push behind it. The combined energy is moderate at 1099. It’s not huge, but it’ll be fun for the experienced crew. This is a fairly consistent spot, so it’s a solid opener.

Then we have to wait through the rest of Saturday and Sunday, which are a bit messy with cross-shore winds and lumpy conditions. But Monday morning, the 17th, is the standout of this first week. The wind drops to glassy, absolute zero, which is a massive bonus. Swell is up to 8ft from the WSW with a 13-second period, and the combined energy jumps to a strong 2412. This is proper, powerful surf. At 8ft, it’s pushing into expert territory, so it’s not one for the beginners. It’s going to be thick and heavy—if you’re experienced, this is your morning. The offshore wind will have it holding up nicely.

After that, things stay rideable but a bit more on the average side. Tuesday morning, the 18th, offers another clean one with a cross-off breeze (SSE 15 km/h) and 7ft of SW swell. Energy is moderate at 1434. Good, but not as special as Monday.

The following week gets interesting again. There’s a big run of surf from the 22nd through to the 24th of August. But here’s the catch: it’s too big for this break. We’re talking 12ft to 15ft of SW swell, with combined energy readings like 6375 and even 10102. That’s a lot of water moving. The wind is cross-shore and strong, and the swell is way over 2.5m, so it’s expert-only or, honestly, just too dangerous and messy. The setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing at that size.

There is a bit of relief on Tuesday morning, the 25th of August. The swell drops back to 8ft from the SW, the wind turns cross-off from the SSE at 15 km/h, and it’s clean. It’s still big, but it’s manageable for experts and the conditions are much better. The energy is 2140. Worth a look if you’ve got the experience.

The next morning, Wednesday the 26th, has that light offshore (SSE 5 km/h) and 10ft of SW swell, but again, it’s just too big for this spot. The energy is strong at 2680, but the size and the cross-shore wind will make it a battle. Probably one to skip.

By the final weekend, the 29th of August, things settle down. Saturday morning looks clean with a light cross-off from the SE at 10 km/h. Swell is 7ft from the WSW with an 11-second period, and energy is moderate at 954. It’s a smaller, cleaner day to finish on, a better option than the giant stuff earlier in the week.

Water temp is 54°, which is 6° colder than normal for this time of year, so it’s much colder than average. You’ll need a thick suit and booties for sure.

So, my pick of the fortnight is Monday morning, the 17th, for that glassy, strong 8ft groundswell. And keep an eye on Saturday morning, the 15th, for a fun, clean session to get you going. The middle of next week is just too big to mess with.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty.

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