Blacks Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s on the menu for the next couple of weeks. We’re looking at a solid run of surf, but it’s got a wild side, so you gotta pick your moments.

The opening act is a beauty. Wednesday morning, the 26th of August, we see a clean 3 ft south swell rolling in with a long 18-second period. The wind is light and cross-offshore from the northwest, making for some really clean lines at Blacks Reef. It’s a reef break, so that long-period groundswell will wrap in nicely here. The water's about average for this time of year, nothing weird to report. The energy is moderate (533), so there’s enough push for a fun session. Wednesday afternoon is even better, going glassy with a 3 ft south swell, period still up at 16 seconds. This is a stand-out window for sure.

Thursday the 27th gets a bit more grunty. The morning is a write-off with a messy cross-onshore wind, but don’t write it off yet. Thursday afternoon is the real deal. The swell jumps to 7 ft from the south, period 17 seconds, and the wind switches to a clean cross-offshore from the east. The energy is pumping (2576), and the report says it’s excellent for experienced surfers. That’s your main call for the week: Thursday afternoon. It’s a powerful, long-period south swell, and this reef will handle it beautifully.

Friday the 28th starts with a clean 5 ft south swell under a moderate offshore breeze from the NNE. That’s a solid morning session, with moderate energy (787). The afternoon drops a bit in size to 4 ft, the wind goes cross-off, and it’s still clean, but the energy drops off.

Saturday the 29th through Sunday the 30th sees the swell fade. Saturday morning has a 3 ft south swell with gentle offshore winds—clean, but small. The energy is weak (265). Sunday is even smaller, barely surfable. We’re looking at a flat spell here.

Then things get interesting, but not for the faint-hearted. Monday the 31st of August is a mess. A strong onshore wind from the southwest and a 13 ft swell with a short 10-second period—that’s a washing machine. The energy is huge (5545), but it’s blown out and ugly. Hard pass.

Tuesday the 1st of September brings a massive 20 ft south swell with a 14-second period. The energy is insane (14499). The wind is light, but the report says the swell is predicted to be too big for this break. This is for experts only, and even then, it’s a gamble. The reef will be a raging torrent. The afternoon has a 15 ft swell under clean cross-offshore winds, but again, it’s huge. If you’re not a pro, stay on the beach.

Wednesday the 2nd of September is the sweet spot comeback. The swell drops to a manageable 7 ft from the south, period 10 seconds, with a light cross-offshore wind from the northwest. The energy is moderate (880), and surf is very clean. That’s your second stand-out window: Wednesday morning. It’s mellowed out from the monster swell, but still has plenty of punch.

From Thursday the 3rd of September onwards, it’s a slow fade. The size drops, and the wind switches around. There are some clean, small waves on the 7th of September (Monday) with a 4 ft south swell and a 11-second period under a light offshore breeze, energy at 650. That’s a nice little session if you’re desperate. The rest of the second week is mostly small, weak, and ordinary. The 10th of September (Thursday) has a clean 2 ft south swell with a 17-second period under a gentle offshore wind, but it’s tiny.

Overall, the big winners are Thursday afternoon the 27th of August for the powerful, clean, 7 ft south swell, and Wednesday morning the 2nd of September for the clean, solid 7 ft south swell after the crazy weekend. The rest is a mix of flat spells, huge and dangerous waves, or small clean bumps. Choose wisely.

Rusty.

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