Blacks Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

Well, it’s a pretty grim start for Blacks Reef. This is a reef setup that’s exposed to the south, and right now the water is sitting at 56° – that’s a bit colder than what we’d normally expect for this time of year, so you’ll want a good wetsuit. We’re looking at a solid run of poor to marginal conditions for the first week and a half. The swell is there, but it’s pretty messy. Friday the 10th we’ve got a 13ft swell from the SSE, but it’s onshore at 22 mph, which is just a washing machine – total write-off. That swell energy is pumping at 3496 (strong) but with those winds, it’s a no-go for a paddle. Saturday the 11th drops to 7ft from the SE, but still with onshore wind, so it’s only marginal. The good news is that by Sunday the 12th, the wind eases, and we get a very long-period 15-second groundswell from the S, but it’s only 3ft. That’s clean, cross-onshore, and the energy is weak (695). There’s a little window early Monday the 13th with a clean 3ft S swell and light offshore wind, but it’s tiny. We’re basically looking at a gap of nearly nine days with nothing really worth chasing.

Now, hold on to your board, because things shift hard. Wednesday the 22nd July is the standout of the whole outlook. The morning brings a proper 7ft S swell with a 15-second period, and the combined energy is a solid 3176 (strong). The wind is light and cross-offshore, so it’s clean. This is a reef spot, and that long-period groundswell is going to wrap in beautifully – perfect for the experienced crew. That’s a solid wave. The morning is marked as excellent for experienced surfers. The afternoon holds at 6ft from the S with a 14-second period, still clean. Crowds are noted as “often” here, so expect company, but it’s worth it.

Following that, Thursday the 24th July is another cracker. We’ve got a 8ft E swell, period around 9 seconds, and a gusty offshore wind from the NE at 19 mph in the afternoon. The morning is excellent for experienced surfers. The combined energy is 1212 (moderate to strong). That 8ft is getting into the “too big for beginners” zone, but it’s clean and offshore. The wind picks up in the afternoon, but it’s still offshore, so it’s manageable.

The 25th July still has some life, with 6ft from the E and light offshore winds, but by then the energy is dropping. For this whole second week, the winds are much better, mostly offshore or cross-off.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a total write-off. Don’t bother. The second week is where it’s at. Wednesday 22nd July is the pick of the lot – a solid, long-period S swell with clean conditions. Thursday 24th July is a close second, with a bigger E swell and offshore winds. If you’re an experienced surfer, those are your days.

Rusty.

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