Raffs Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Reports (VIC (2024)

FAQs

Who has the most accurate surf report? ›

SURFLINE. One of the most well-established surf reports and forecasts and was founded in 1985 by the late Sean Collins. Surfline is based in Southern California and provides a comprehensive wave forecasting website for users worldwide.

Check the "swell rating" to see how big the waves are. The rating is a number that estimates the height of the waves from one to five, with five stars being the biggest. The next thing to do is to check a swell period. That is how long the waves will be rolling in, which tells you what kind of break it may suit.

The popular beach is best at high tide but watch out for rips – particularly at low tide. Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) patrols the beach and performs an average of eight rescues a year.

The surf forecast is 2-3+ ft and slightly bumpy right now for Melbourne Beach, FL.

Surfline has been the surf world's go-to for wave forecasting and surf reports since 1985, helping millions of surfers score better waves, more often. Use the Surfline app to know before you go anytime, anywhere. Keep track of current surf conditions.

1. Surfline. Surfline provides accurate reports for thousands of spots all around the world and is one of the most comprehensive and progressive for surf forecasting on the internet.

Not necessarily — it depends on where you plan to surf. High tides are great if you're headed towards a reef break. The only exception is if it's near a bluff, in which case the waves rarely break before hitting land. Conversely, medium to low tides are better if you're surfing near a beach break.

Generally speaking the perfect size for beginners is 1 to 2ft. For intermediates: 2-4ft waves are best as it gives you more face of the wave to progress your skills on. You should keep an eye on the 'Swell Period', because it's a lot more indicative of the actual wave size (see the next point).

The ocean's tide patterns occur as the earth experiences the push-pull gravitational effect of the sun and moon. As you might have guessed, high tide occurs when the water is at peak height, which happens twice a day on most coasts. Since the water is deeper at high tide, you usually find bigger, more powerful waves.

The best tides to surf in can vary depending on the location, but in general, mid to high tides are ideal for beginners as they provide more forgiving waves. However, experienced surfers may prefer lower tides as they produce faster and more challenging waves.

Is Ocean Grove beach free? ›

Note: Like most NJ beaches, Ocean Grove requires guests to purchase a pass. We sell discounted daily beach passes to our guests for $5 instead of $8 down at the beach. Seasonal and weekly beach badges are also available at the Beach Office located on the boardwalk at the end of Embury Avenue.

Surfing Ocean Beach:

The best conditions reported for surf at Ocean Beach occur when a West swell combines with an offshore wind direction from the East.

Reef Road

Florida isn't known for having the biggest breaks, but Palm Beach's Reef Road rivals even the best. With waves that reach up to 15 feet, Reef Road is widely known as the state's "big-wave spot." In order to get truly great breaks, you need a north to northeast swell at low tide incoming.

Praia do Norte ('North Beach') is a beach located in Nazaré, portuguese West region, which due to its giant white breaking waves is famed for its surfing conditions. Nazaré's waves were listed on the Guinness Book of Records for the biggest waves ever surfed.

Melbourne Beach in North Florida is an exposed beach break that has fairly consistent surf, although summer tends to be mostly flat. Offshore winds blow from the west. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells and the ideal swell direction is from the northeast. The beach break provides left and right handers.

Surf reports, like weather reports, are not always 100% accurate, as they constantly change based on the weather conditions. It's best to use multiple sources and local surfing knowledge to determine the most reliable surf reports for your area.

MAGIC SEAWEED. Magic Seaweed is one of, if not the most popular surf forecasting apps out there. The app tracks swell models across the entire globe, giving you detailed forecasts for almost every surf spot on the planet.

Global surf forecasting firm Magic Seaweed (MSW) has announced it is losing its name as it merges with California-based Surfline.

Pipeline, Oahu, Hawaii

According to a CNN report, Pipeline in Oahu is the world's number 1 surf spot. No wonder we have enlisted it as the first one on our list. Visiting here gives you a chance to ride waves that rise to 6 meters.