Yzerfontein Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk Yzerfontein. This is a beach and reef setup, exposed to the swell, and over the next 16 days it’s going to throw a bit of everything at us. The water’s sitting at 55°F, which is about 5°F colder than it should be for this time of year—that’s a proper chill, so you’ll want the thickest wetsuit you’ve got.

We start on Sunday, August 30th, and it’s a no-go. There’s 7ft of WSW swell with a 12-second period, but the energy is strong (1579) and it’s getting torn up by a 35 km/h cross-wind. Lumpy, messy, not worth it. Monday the 31st drops to 7ft and 7ft from the SW, but the wind is still cross and the energy’s dropping (1174 and 935). Marginal at best.

The first real standout is Tuesday, September 1st, in the afternoon. A 10ft SW swell with a solid 13-second period is pumping, and the combined swell energy is a hefty 2917. The wind is cross-shore at 25 km/h from the SSW—not glassy, but workable. Now, 10ft is expert territory. This is big and powerful. If you’re experienced, this afternoon is the session to aim for. Wednesday the 2nd keeps that 10ft SW swell in the morning (energy 3275) with lighter winds, but same deal—too big for anyone who isn’t a pro.

Thursday, September 3rd, looks wild on paper—21ft of SSW swell with a 12-second period and a massive energy reading of 11926. The wind is offshore from the E at 30 km/h, so it’ll be clean. But that’s just way too big. Unless you’re towing, stay out. Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th are smaller but the wind is still messy.

There’s a gap of poor-to-marginal surf from the 6th through to the 10th of September. Sunday the 6th has a 5ft SW swell with a very long 15-second period (energy 2149) but it’s getting hammered by a 40 km/h cross-offshore wind. That long period would be better at a point or reef, but the wind ruins it. Monday the 7th has a tiny 4ft S swell with offshore ESE winds—clean but small. By the 8th and 9th, you’re looking at knee-high dribble. Skip it.

Then things pick up again. Friday, September 11th, morning brings an 12ft SW swell with a 12-second period, energy of 3404, with light cross-shore winds. Again, expert only. The afternoon drops to 10ft S swell but the wind picks up. Saturday the 12th morning has an 8ft SSW swell with light winds and cross conditions—potential for the brave.

For me, the absolute standout is Tuesday afternoon, September 1st. That 10ft SW groundswell with a 13-second period, combined with moderate cross-shore winds, is as good as it gets in this run. If you’ve got the skill, that’s your window. Second shout goes to Friday morning, September 11th, but it’s a monster—promising but only for the hardcore.

Yzerfontein can get crowded sometimes, so keep that in mind. And when the swell drops below 3ft in the second week, it goes flat. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, but there are a couple of proper sessions if you’re willing to brave the cold.

Rusty.

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