Blacks Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at the surf coming up for Blacks Reef.

The first week or so is a bit of a write-off, to be honest. We’ve got some solid swell rolling in, but the wind is just hammering it. From Saturday the 25th right through to the end of July, it’s mostly onshore, choppy, and messy. The swell’s there, but it’s not gonna be a pretty sight. You’ll see moderate to strong combined wave energy (between 329 and 1994), but it’s all blown out. Not worth paddling out for.

The first real glimmer of hope comes on Wednesday the 29th of July. Now we’re talking. The wind goes glassy in the morning from the NW, and the water goes flat calm. Swell is a clean 6 ft from the SE with a nice long period of 13 seconds – that’s proper groundswell, and it’s got some punch with a combined energy of 1099. That’s a moderate to strong energy level, and on a reef break like this, it’s going to set up some nice, lined-up waves. Ideal for the experienced surfer, as it’s on the bigger side. The water temp is about average for the time of year, nothing weird there.

The afternoon of the 29th stays clean with a cross-off breeze and 6 ft surf, still good. Thursday the 30th morning is also clean with 5 ft swell from the ESE. That’s your best window: Wednesday morning and Thursday morning. This spot is very consistent, so you can rely on it. The swell direction is from the ESE, but the optimum is from the South – it’s a bit of an angle, but on a longer period swell like that, it’ll still wrap in nicely.

After that, it gets quiet again. Friday the 31st has small 3 ft waves with an offshore wind in the afternoon, but it’s weak. Then from the 1st of August, the wind turns back onshore or cross-shore, and the swell’s all over the place. Not worth it.

The second week is a mixed bag of onshore winds and building swell. There’s a big spike on the 8th of August with a massive 12 ft southerly swell, but the file says it’s too big for this break. The energy is very strong (3939), but with an onshore wind and that size, it’s a washing machine. Only for the kamikaze crew. The 9th of August has a drop to 6 ft from the S with a light cross-on wind, but it’s only marginal.

So, to sum it up: the standout is Wednesday the 29th of July morning. Glassy conditions, 6 ft SE groundswell, and a long 13-second period. That’s your best chance for a clean, lined-up reef session. The 30th morning is also a good second option. The rest of the window is mostly blown out or too big. Crowds are often here, so don’t expect to have it to yourself, but for that Wednesday morning, it’s worth the paddle.

Rusty.

Read more