Surf Forecast for Cave Rock
type: Dataset
description: 10-day surf forecast with Strike Scores for Cave Rock, Durban, South Africa
about: Cave Rock
  type: TouristAttraction
  geo: GeoCoordinates
    latitude: -29.931
    longitude: 31.02
  description: Cave Rock is Durban's heaviest wave—a powerful right-hander that breaks in two distinct sections: The Pool and The Rock. When solid Indian Ocean swells hit this stretch of coast, Cave Rock produces thick, hollow barrels that rival anything in South Africa. The wave has a dedicated local crew and a history of heavy sessions. Named for the famous rock formation and sea cave that marks the takeoff zone, this is Durban surfing at its most intense.
summary:
  best day:
    date: 2026-08-14
    score: 51
    category: Fair
    explanation: Best day in the forecast: 2026-08-14 with a score of 51/100 (Fair)
  firing days count: 0
  overall recommendation: Poor conditions overall: Average score 17/100. Look for spots with better forecasts.
forecasts:
  date: 2026-08-05
  day index: 0
  strike score:
    final score: 0
    category: Poor
    category emoji: 💤
    confidence: 1
    confidence explanation: Very high confidence (0-1 day forecast)
    breakdown:
      swell direction:
        score: 0
        out of: 25
        explanation: No alignment: Swell from 113° is outside workable range 180°-225°. Wrong swell direction for this spot.
      swell size:
        score: 3
        out of: 25
        explanation: Too small: 1.3m is below minimum 1.8m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
      swell period:
        score: 2
        out of: 25
        explanation: Short period: 10s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
      wind:
        score: 15
        out of: 25
        explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 7 km/h from 88° (E). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
    adjustments:
      wind history:
        adjustment: 0
        groomed: false
        morning sickness: false
        explanation: No significant wind history adjustment.
      windswell penalty:
        adjustment: 0
        windswell degraded: false
        explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
      secondary swell bonus:
        adjustment: 0
        explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
    summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (113°), size (1.3m), or wind (7 km/h from 88°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
  conditions:
    swell:
      height m: 1.3
      height ft: 4.3
      direction degrees: 113
      direction cardinal: ESE
      period s: 10
      explanation: 1.3m (4.3ft) swell from 113° (ESE) at 10s period
    wind:
      speed kmh: 7
      speed mph: 4.3
      direction degrees: 88
      direction cardinal: E
      explanation: 7 km/h (4 mph) from 88° (E)
    secondary swell:
      height m: 0.6
      direction degrees: 101
      direction cardinal: E
      period s: 6
forecasts:
  date: 2026-08-06
  day index: 1
  strike score:
    final score: 0
    category: Poor
    category emoji: 💤
    confidence: 1
    confidence explanation: Very high confidence (0-1 day forecast)
    breakdown:
      swell direction:
        score: 2
        out of: 25
        explanation: Poor alignment: Swell from 147° is 55° off optimal 202°, barely within workable range 180°-225°.
      swell size:
        score: 2
        out of: 25
        explanation: Too small: 1.0m is below minimum 1.8m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
      swell period:
        score: 6
        out of: 25
        explanation: Moderate period: 12s meets minimum 12s but below ideal 14s. Some groundswell energy present.
      wind:
        score: 1
        out of: 25
        explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 15 km/h from 202° (SSW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
    adjustments:
      wind history:
        adjustment: 0
        groomed: false
        morning sickness: false
        explanation: No significant wind history adjustment.
      windswell penalty:
        adjustment: 0
        windswell degraded: false
        explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
      secondary swell bonus:
        adjustment: 0
        explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
    summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (147°), size (1.0m), or wind (15 km/h from 202°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
  conditions:
    swell:
      height m: 1
      height ft: 3.3
      direction degrees: 147
      direction cardinal: SSE
      period s: 12
      explanation: 1.0m (3.3ft) swell from 147° (SSE) at 12s period
    wind:
      speed kmh: 15
      speed mph: 9.3
      direction degrees: 202
      direction cardinal: SSW
      explanation: 15 km/h (9 mph) from 202° (SSW)
    secondary swell:
      height m: 0.6
      direction degrees: 152
      direction cardinal: SSE
      period s: 11
    windswell:
      height m: 0.3
      period s: 2
      explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)
forecasts:
  date: 2026-08-07
  day index: 2
  strike score:
    final score: 44
    category: Poor
    category emoji: 💤
    confidence: 0.95
    confidence explanation: High confidence (2-3 day forecast)
    breakdown:
      swell direction:
        score: 16
        out of: 25
        explanation: Moderate alignment: Swell from 188° is 14° off optimal 202°, workable but not ideal.
      swell size:
        score: 3
        out of: 25
        explanation: Too small: 1.3m is below minimum 1.8m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
      swell period:
        score: 14
        out of: 25
        explanation: Moderate period: 13s meets minimum 12s but below ideal 14s. Some groundswell energy present.
      wind:
        score: 15
        out of: 25
        explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 7 km/h from 131° (SE). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
    adjustments:
      wind history:
        adjustment: 0
        groomed: false
        morning sickness: false
        explanation: No significant wind history adjustment.
      windswell penalty:
        adjustment: 0
        windswell degraded: false
        explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
      secondary swell bonus:
        adjustment: 0
        explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
    summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (188°), size (1.3m), or wind (7 km/h from 131°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
  conditions:
    swell:
      height m: 1.3
      height ft: 4.3
      direction degrees: 188
      direction cardinal: S
      period s: 13
      explanation: 1.3m (4.3ft) swell from 188° (S) at 13s period
    wind:
      speed kmh: 7
      speed mph: 4.3
      direction degrees: 131
      direction cardinal: SE
      explanation: 7 km/h (4 mph) from 131° (SE)
    secondary swell:
      height m: 0.7
      direction degrees: 131
      direction cardinal: SE
      period s: 6
forecasts:
  date: 2026-08-08
  day index: 3
  strike score:
    final score: 26
    category: Poor
    category emoji: 💤
    confidence: 0.92
    confidence explanation: High confidence (2-3 day forecast)
    summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (177°), size (1.1m), or wind (15 km/h from 32°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
provider: Strike Mission
date published: 2026-08-05T00:29:50.016Z
temporal coverage: 2026-08-05/2026-08-14
data sources: Open-Meteo Marine API (swell/wave data)
data sources: Open-Meteo Weather API (wind/weather data)

swell direction:
  score: 11
  out of: 25
  explanation: Moderate alignment: Swell from 177° is 25° off optimal 202°, workable but not ideal.
swell size:
  score: 2
  out of: 25
  explanation: Too small: 1.1m is below minimum 1.8m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
swell period:
  score: 25
  out of: 25
  explanation: Perfect period: 15s is at or above ideal 14s. Long-period groundswell with maximum power.
wind:
  score: 1
  out of: 25
  explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 15 km/h from 32° (NNE). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.

wind history:
  adjustment: 0
  groomed: false
  morning sickness: false
  explanation: No significant wind history adjustment.
windswell penalty:
  adjustment: -3
  windswell degraded: false
  explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
secondary swell bonus:
  adjustment: 0
  explanation: No secondary swell bonus.

swell:
  height m: 1.1
  height ft: 3.6
  direction degrees: 177
  direction cardinal: S
  period s: 15
  explanation: 1.1m (3.6ft) swell from 177° (S) at 15s period
wind:
  speed kmh: 15
  speed mph: 9.3
  direction degrees: 32
  direction cardinal: NNE
  explanation: 15 km/h (9 mph) from 32° (NNE)
secondary swell:
  height m: 0.6
  direction degrees: 150
  direction cardinal: SSE
  period s: 10
windswell:
  height m: 0.6
  period s: 3
  explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-09
day index: 4
strike score:
  final score: 0
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.89
  confidence explanation: Moderate confidence (4-5 day forecast)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 0
      out of: 25
      explanation: No alignment: Swell from 76° is outside workable range 180°-225°. Wrong swell direction for this spot.
    swell size:
      score: 2
      out of: 25
      explanation: Too small: 1.2m is below minimum 1.8m. Waves will be weak/mushy.
    swell period:
      score: 4
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 11s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 1
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 22 km/h from 208° (SSW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: 0
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: false
      explanation: No significant wind history adjustment.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: -10
      windswell degraded: true
      explanation: -10 points: Short-period windswell is present, creating choppy, disorganized conditions.
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (76°), size (1.2m), or wind (22 km/h from 208°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 1.2
    height ft: 3.9
    direction degrees: 76
    direction cardinal: ENE
    period s: 11
    explanation: 1.2m (3.9ft) swell from 76° (ENE) at 11s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 22
    speed mph: 13.7
    direction degrees: 208
    direction cardinal: SSW
    explanation: 22 km/h (14 mph) from 208° (SSW)
  secondary swell:
    height m: 0.5
    direction degrees: 175
    direction cardinal: S
    period s: 11
  windswell:
    height m: 2.3
    period s: 5
    explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-10
day index: 5
strike score:
  final score: 0
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.86
  confidence explanation: Moderate confidence (4-5 day forecast)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 8
      out of: 25
      explanation: Poor alignment: Swell from 169° is 33° off optimal 202°, barely within workable range 180°-225°.
    swell size:
      score: 10
      out of: 25
      explanation: Marginal size: 2.0m is 0.8m from ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 2
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 10s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 1
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 29 km/h from 212° (SSW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -10
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -10 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: -7
      windswell degraded: true
      explanation: -7 points: Short-period windswell is present, creating choppy, disorganized conditions.
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (169°), size (2.0m), or wind (29 km/h from 212°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 2
    height ft: 6.6
    direction degrees: 169
    direction cardinal: S
    period s: 10
    explanation: 2.0m (6.6ft) swell from 169° (S) at 10s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 29
    speed mph: 18.0
    direction degrees: 212
    direction cardinal: SSW
    explanation: 29 km/h (18 mph) from 212° (SSW)
  secondary swell:
    height m: 0.6
    direction degrees: 142
    direction cardinal: SE
    period s: 10
  windswell:
    height m: 3
    period s: 7
    explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-11
day index: 6
strike score:
  final score: 4
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.83
  confidence explanation: Low confidence (6-7 day forecast)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 14
      out of: 25
      explanation: Moderate alignment: Swell from 184° is 18° off optimal 202°, workable but not ideal.
    swell size:
      score: 17
      out of: 25
      explanation: Marginal size: 2.7m is 0.0m from ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 4
      out of: 25
      explanation: Short period: 11s is below minimum 12s. Windswell-dominated (choppy, weak waves).
    wind:
      score: 1
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 27 km/h from 207° (SSW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -17
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -17 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: -5
      windswell degraded: true
      explanation: -5 points: Short-period windswell is present, creating choppy, disorganized conditions.
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (184°), size (2.7m), or wind (27 km/h from 207°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 2.7
    height ft: 8.9
    direction degrees: 184
    direction cardinal: S
    period s: 11
    explanation: 2.7m (8.9ft) swell from 184° (S) at 11s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 27
    speed mph: 16.8
    direction degrees: 207
    direction cardinal: SSW
    explanation: 27 km/h (17 mph) from 207° (SSW)
  secondary swell:
    height m: 1
    direction degrees: 134
    direction cardinal: SE
    period s: 8
  windswell:
    height m: 2.1
    period s: 6
    explanation: Local wind-generated waves (choppy, short-period)

date: 2026-08-12
day index: 7
strike score:
  final score: 25
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.8
  confidence explanation: Low confidence (6-7 day forecast)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 6
      out of: 25
      explanation: Poor alignment: Swell from 156° is 46° off optimal 202°, barely within workable range 180°-225°.
    swell size:
      score: 12
      out of: 25
      explanation: Marginal size: 2.3m is 0.5m from ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 14
      out of: 25
      explanation: Moderate period: 13s meets minimum 12s but below ideal 14s. Some groundswell energy present.
    wind:
      score: 18
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 8 km/h from 207° (SSW). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -21
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -21 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: 0
      windswell degraded: false
      explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (156°), size (2.3m), or wind (8 km/h from 207°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 2.3
    height ft: 7.5
    direction degrees: 156
    direction cardinal: SSE
    period s: 13
    explanation: 2.3m (7.5ft) swell from 156° (SSE) at 13s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 8
    speed mph: 5.0
    direction degrees: 207
    direction cardinal: SSW
    explanation: 8 km/h (5 mph) from 207° (SSW)
  secondary swell:
    height m: 1.1
    direction degrees: 185
    direction cardinal: S
    period s: 9

date: 2026-08-13
day index: 8
strike score:
  final score: 18
  category: Poor
  category emoji: 💤
  confidence: 0.8
  confidence explanation: Very low confidence (8-10 day forecast, conditions may change)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 0
      out of: 25
      explanation: No alignment: Swell from 142° is outside workable range 180°-225°. Wrong swell direction for this spot.
    swell size:
      score: 17
      out of: 25
      explanation: Marginal size: 3.7m is 1.0m from ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 14
      out of: 25
      explanation: Moderate period: 13s meets minimum 12s but below ideal 14s. Some groundswell energy present.
    wind:
      score: 12
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 9 km/h from 32° (NNE). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -11
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: true
      explanation: -11 points: Previous days of onshore wind left residual chop ("morning sickness"), reducing wave quality.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: 0
      windswell degraded: false
      explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Poor conditions at Cave Rock. Either swell direction (142°), size (3.7m), or wind (9 km/h from 32°) is unfavorable. Consider other spots or wait for better conditions.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 3.7
    height ft: 12.1
    direction degrees: 142
    direction cardinal: SE
    period s: 13
    explanation: 3.7m (12.1ft) swell from 142° (SE) at 13s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 9
    speed mph: 5.6
    direction degrees: 32
    direction cardinal: NNE
    explanation: 9 km/h (6 mph) from 32° (NNE)
  secondary swell:
    height m: 0.6
    direction degrees: 159
    direction cardinal: SSE
    period s: 10

date: 2026-08-14
day index: 9
strike score:
  final score: 51
  category: Fair
  category emoji: 😐
  confidence: 0.8
  confidence explanation: Very low confidence (8-10 day forecast, conditions may change)
  breakdown:
    swell direction:
      score: 9
      out of: 25
      explanation: Poor alignment: Swell from 172° is 30° off optimal 202°, barely within workable range 180°-225°.
    swell size:
      score: 22
      out of: 25
      explanation: Good size: 3.0m is within 15% of ideal 2.8m.
    swell period:
      score: 14
      out of: 25
      explanation: Moderate period: 13s meets minimum 12s but below ideal 14s. Some groundswell energy present.
    wind:
      score: 14
      out of: 25
      explanation: Onshore/cross-shore: 8 km/h from 30° (NNE). Destroying wave quality. Offshore range: 247°-337°.
  adjustments:
    wind history:
      adjustment: -4
      groomed: false
      morning sickness: false
      explanation: No significant wind history adjustment.
    windswell penalty:
      adjustment: 0
      windswell degraded: false
      explanation: Groundswell-dominant conditions (clean, long-period waves).
    secondary swell bonus:
      adjustment: 0
      explanation: No secondary swell bonus.
  summary: Surfable but not special at Cave Rock. The 3.0m swell from 172° is workable, but conditions aren't ideal. Fine if you're local, but not worth a dedicated trip.
conditions:
  swell:
    height m: 3
    height ft: 9.8
    direction degrees: 172
    direction cardinal: S
    period s: 13
    explanation: 3.0m (9.8ft) swell from 172° (S) at 13s period
  wind:
    speed kmh: 8
    speed mph: 5.0
    direction degrees: 30
    direction cardinal: NNE
    explanation: 8 km/h (5 mph) from 30° (NNE)

Strike Mission
type: Organization