Surf Forecasts:
Blacks Reef surf forecast from 31 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Tuesday 1 Sep, 6PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 13s period, S swell with glassy winds.
- Most powerful swell: Tuesday 1 Sep, 9PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 14s period, S swell with 4,457 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 1 Sep, 6PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 13s period with S swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Blacks Reef this week:
The surf forecast for Blacks Reef over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Sep 01) at 6PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 3.5m and 13s period. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Blacks Reef in the next 16 days are 3.5m 14s and forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Sep 01) at 9PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 7s period and expected on Sunday (Sep 06) at 9PM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 6PM (Tue 1st Sep) | 11ft (3.5m) 13s |
| Best Surf | 6PM (Tue 1st Sep) | 11ft (3.5m) 13s |
| Most Powerful | 9PM (Tue 1st Sep) | 11ft (3.5m) 14s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Blacks Reef over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, this is Rusty comin' at ya from Blacks Reef. We've got a real mixed bag of a forecast ahead, so let's break it down.
First off, the water is sitting at 54°, which is a bit colder than we'd normally expect for this time of year. Nothing crazy, but you'll feel it.
The action really kicks off in the second week. For the first few days, starting Monday the 31st, it's a bit of a write-off. We've got a small, lumpy 5ft south swell with a messy cross-shore wind, and the energy is weak (1099). The next few days through to the weekend are pretty flat, with small, weak swells and poor conditions. You'll be waiting a while.
The real standout arrives on Wednesday, September 2nd. This is the one. The morning brings a clean 8ft south swell (14 seconds) with a light cross-offshore breeze. The energy is pumping at 3267. Then, in the afternoon, it gets even better. The wind goes glassy, dead calm, and the swell bumps up to 8ft from the south with a very long 17-second period. The energy is a solid 4137. This is heavy, powerful groundswell, and for a reef break like Blacks Reef, this is where it shines. The long period will make for some proper, well-shaped waves with long gaps between sets, making paddling out a bit easier. It's going to be punchy, so this is for the experienced crew only. Also, this spot is very consistent, so you won't be waiting around. Crowds are possible, so get there early.
We then have a drop-off on Thursday the 3rd with a smaller 5ft south swell, still clean. Friday the 4th sees the swell drop right out, and we're back to small, weak energy for the rest of the first week and into the second.
Looking ahead to the second week, there's a promising but less certain pulse. On Wednesday, September 9th, the morning looks glassy again with a 5ft south swell, but the period is short at 9 seconds, so it'll be a bit weak (357 energy). This is more of a beginner-friendly window.
Then, things get interesting again. On Friday, September 11th, we've got a big 13ft south swell predicted, but it's too big for Blacks Reef, even with favourable winds. Saturday the 12th is messy with onshore winds and a 7ft swell. Finally, on Tuesday, September 15th, the afternoon brings a clean 5ft south swell, but this time with a very long 15-second period. The energy is a solid 1070, and the wind is light offshore. This is another excellent window for experienced surfers, with clean, powerful lines.
So, to wrap it up for the expert surfer: Wednesday, September 2nd, is your absolute best bet with that glassy, long-period groundswell. Tuesday, September 15th, afternoon, is your next best call, but it's a long way out. For the beginners, Wednesday, September 9th, morning is your cleanest option.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 3mm), mostly falling on Mon night. Very mild (max 19°C on Thu afternoon, min 8°C on Mon night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the WSW on Mon night, calm by Wed morning). | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri morning, min 9°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 1 | Wednesday 2 | Thursday 3 | Friday 4 | Saturday 5 | Sunday 6 | ||||||||||||||
Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 14 | S 12 | S 13 | S 14 | S 14 | S 17 | S 14 | S 13 | S 13 | S 12 | S 11 | S 10 | S 10 | SSW 7 | SSW 7 | SSW 10 | S 11 | S 10 | S 17 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
1014 | 2822 | 2830 | 3964 | 1933 | 4137 | 2155 | 865 | 529 | 224 | 112 | 71 | 30 | 215 | 111 | 36 | 82 | 55 | 52 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross |
High Tide | 8:29AM1.65m | 8:52PM1.69m | 9:13AM1.70m | 9:40PM1.69m | 9:59AM1.73m | 10:30PM1.68m | 10:50AM1.74m | 11:22PM1.67m | 11:46AM1.74m | 00:17AM1.65m | 12:46PM1.73m | 1:15AM1.63m | |||||||
Low Tide | 2:20AM0.23m | 2:37PM0.24m | 3:05AM0.23m | 3:28PM0.25m | 3:52AM0.23m | 4:20PM0.25m | 4:42AM0.24m | 5:13PM0.25m | 5:34AM0.23m | 6:09PM0.23m | 6:29AM0.21m | 7:08PM0.21m | |||||||
— | 6:31 | — | — | 6:30 | — | — | 6:28 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:26 | — | — | 6:24 | — | — | |
— | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:47 | — | — | 5:49 | — | — | 5:50 | — | |
mm | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
Temp °C | 14 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 18 | 19 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 16 |
Feels °C | 6 | 2 | 6 | 5 | 14 | 15 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 14 | ENE 11 | S 13 | S 14 | S 14 | S 17 | S 14 | S 13 | S 13 | S 12 | S 11 | S 10 | S 10 | SSW 7 | SSW 7 | SSW 6 | S 11 | S 10 | NE 7 |
1014 | 22 | 2830 | 3964 | 1933 | 4137 | 2155 | 865 | 529 | 224 | 112 | 71 | 30 | 124 | 111 | 12 | 82 | 55 | 65 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ENE 9 | — | ENE 10 | NE 10 | S 17 | NE 9 | NE 9 | E 9 | NE 10 | E 10 | E 10 | S 18 | NE 5 | S 15 | SSW 15 | SSW 10 | NE 5 | S 17 | SSW 10 |
15 | — | 10 | 15 | 1003 | 13 | 22 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 17 | 21 | 36 | 6 | 22 | 20 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | NE 9 | — | — | — | — | SW 5 | S 20 | E 10 | S 16 | E 10 | NE 10 | S 8 | S 5 | SSE 9 | S 17 |
— | — | — | — | 13 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 8 | 2 | 20 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 52 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 8 | S 12 | — | — | NNE 9 | — | — | NW 3 | NNE 10 | NW 4 | NNW 3 | NW 4 | WSW 4 | SSW 7 | — | NNE 4 | NNW 2 | N 3 | NW 3 |
480 | 2822 | — | — | 29 | — | — | 5 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 17 | 10 | 215 | — | 11 | 1 | 11 | 6 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 41 | 44 | 75 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 11 | 3 | 33 | 55 | 97 | 169 | 0 | 0 | 45 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Gisborne and Mahia | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Blacks Reef Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Blacks Reef provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Blacks Reef can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Blacks Reef surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Blacks Reef) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Blacks Reef may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Blacks Reef is 50 km (31 miles) from the city of Gisborne. If you plan a holiday in Gisborne and Mahia, look for hotels and other accommodation in Gisborne. Gisborne has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











