Blacks Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

First up, we’ve got a mixed bag on the horizon. The water is sitting at 53°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so don’t forget the extra rubber. The main event is Blacks Reef, a reliable reef break that is exposed to the south swell, and it’s very consistent. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, but you’ll often be sharing the waves.

Kicking things off on Monday the 24th, the morning is a bit of a write-off with a messy cross-shore and a short-period 5ft swell from the SSW. Not worth paddling out. But the afternoon is a different story. The wind shifts to a light cross-off breeze from the ENE, cleaning up a 4ft south swell with a solid 14-second period. The energy is pumping (714), and the conditions are clean. This is a solid start.

Tuesday the 25th offers a glassy morning session, with a 3ft south swell and a 12-second period. The wind is practically nothing, making for a clean, rippable wave. The afternoon is even better, with glassy conditions and a 3ft south swell. It’s not huge, but it’s clean and fun.

Now, Thursday the 27th is a standout. The morning brings a solid 6ft south swell with a long 18-second period. The energy is serious (1781), and with a light cross-off wind from the NNW, the waves will be clean and powerful. This is for experienced surfers only, as it’s pushing into the range that’s too big for beginners. The afternoon bumps up to 7ft from the same direction, but the wind picks up a bit, making it a bit messier.

Friday the 28th is another good one. The morning has a 5ft south swell with a 14-second period and a gentle offshore wind from the north. This is a classic setup for Blacks Reef, with clean, lined-up waves (831 energy). The swell direction is south, which is the optimum direction for this break, so expect some proper waves.

After that, the surf drops off significantly. Saturday the 29th is small and a bit messy, and from Sunday the 30th through to the start of September, it’s pretty poor. The swell is tiny, the wind is onshore, and the energy is weak. There’s a real gap of poor conditions for the end of August.

Looking ahead, Tuesday the 1st of September brings a massive spike. The morning has a 13ft south swell with a 16-second period and a light offshore wind from the NNE. This is enormous energy (7654), but it’s simply too big for Blacks Reef. Unless you’re a tow-in expert, give this one a miss. The afternoon is similar, with 12ft swell and 14-second period. That’s another day for the experts only.

The rest of the first week of September is a write-off with strong winds and lumpy conditions. The energy drops off, and the wind is mostly cross-shore or onshore. There’s a slight improvement around the 7th and 8th of September, with small, clean southern swells, but nothing to get excited about.

The Pick: Thursday the 27th of August morning is the best on offer. A solid 6ft south groundswell, clean with a light cross-off wind, and a very long 18-second period. It’s a powerful, clean wave for experienced surfers. Friday the 28th morning is a close second, with a clean offshore wind and a solid 5ft south swell.

Rusty.

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