Blacks Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let's talk about what’s on the cards for Blacks Reef.

First thing to note, the water is a bit cooler than normal for this time of year, sitting at 55°. If you’re heading out, a decent wetsuit is a must.

The week kicks off with a solid pulse of south swell, with combined energy of 1077, but it's not just any swell—we're talking a 6ft south groundswell with a 13-second period. That’s proper power, and it’ll be pushing hard through the reef. This is for Thursday morning, September 3rd. A light NW cross-off breeze is the magic ingredient here, keeping things clean for experienced surfers only—this is too big for the beginners.

Thursday afternoon eases off a touch to 5ft, still with that long southerly period, and the wind goes even lighter. Good waves, but the quality stays high.

Now, Friday the 4th through to Sunday the 6th sees the swell drop away significantly, down to under 3ft. Sloppy, ordinary conditions with moderate onshores. It's a write-off for paddle surfing—more of a kite day if you're into that.

Monday the 7th looks pretty grim with rain and a strong onshore whipping up 10ft of windswell. Not the place to be.

The standout window hits on Tuesday the 8th. Clean offshore NNE wind at 9 mph meets a long 6ft S swell (10-second period) for excellent, clean conditions. Crowds? Yeah, it’s _often_ packed because everyone knows this is one of the best setups around, so get in early. The combined energy is a strong 599. This is the best on offer in the near term.

Wednesday the 9th is a drop-off with onshore wind, so not worth the paddle.

After a few days of small, choppy leftovers, we get another promising blip on Friday the 11th. A 8ft SSW windswell with short 8-second period arrives with light crosswind, but it’s a bit raw and messy for the reef. Still, expect some wedgy, bowling waves if you pick the right bank. This one is for the experienced crew, and the combined energy is pumping at 1082.

The following weekend gets smashed by a strong SW onshore storm. Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th see a massive 10ft+ of messy, lumpy swell with gale-force winds—that is full-on survival conditions and 3813 combined energy. Unless you're towing in, stay out.

There is one last ray of hope way out on Wednesday the 16th. The forecast shows a glassy afternoon with a clean 8ft south groundswell riding a long 15-second period. Combined energy is a heavyweight 2294. That kind of period on a reef like Blacks is a dream—powerful, lined-up waves, but a long wait between sets. This is only for experts due to the size. It’s two weeks out, so take it with a grain of salt, but it has potential to be the best session of the whole outlook if it holds.

For my money, Tuesday the 8th is the clear winner for clean, powerful surf without the extreme size and storm chaos. After that, if you're an experienced charger, keep an eye on that Wednesday the 16th promise.

Rusty.

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