Blacks Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, mate, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer around Blacks Reef.

Right now, the long-range picture is a bit of a mess. We’ve got a solid stretch of onshore gales and huge, messy swell coming in that will shut the place down for nearly a week. But if you’re patient, there’s a nice window of clean, glassy conditions and some proper groundswell to finish the period. It’s a tale of two halves.

The action starts Thursday morning, August 13th. It’s not a massive day, but it’s the best we’ve got early on. A 3 ft SE swell with a moderate 9-second period is pushing in, and the wind is blowing offshore from the NNE. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so you won’t need a thick steamer. The combined energy is moderate at 200. It’s clean, it’s ridable, and it’s a good warm-up. Afternoon drops off a touch to 3 ft, still offshore, but the energy fades.

Friday the 14th is small and ordinary. Morning has a tiny 1 ft SE swell, and by the afternoon it’s a cross-off breeze with a 2 ft wave. It’s surfable if you’re desperate, but honestly, I’d wait.

Saturday the 15th sees a jump in size. The morning brings a 7 ft E swell with moderate energy (581), but the wind is cross-off and the conditions are a bit lumpy. The afternoon is better: 6 ft E swell, clean with a light breeze, and the energy is still moderate (491). It’s a solid option if you’re keen for a paddle.

Then the wheels fall off. From Sunday the 16th through to Wednesday the 19th, it’s a complete write-off. Strong onshore winds from the SW and SSW, huge swell heights from 8 ft up to 15 ft, and short, nasty periods. The combined energy is through the roof—836 on Sunday, 2902 that afternoon, and peaking at 7950 on Wednesday afternoon. That’s a lot of raw power, but it’s all blown out and ugly. This is not paddle surfing; this is for the kites and the foil crew only. Beginners stay well clear. The period on Wednesday afternoon is a very long 16 seconds, but with the wind howling onshore, it’s just a washing machine.

Thursday the 20th offers a bit of relief. The swell drops to 10 ft from the S with a 13-second period, and the wind switches to a light cross-onshore from the W. The energy is still very strong at 5491. It’s marginal, but it’s the first day in a week that’s not completely hopeless. The afternoon is smaller at 8 ft, with a light onshore breeze, but still a bit average.

Friday the 21st is nothing special. A 6 ft S swell with a 11-second period, light cross-shore wind, and dropping energy. It’s still marginal.

Now, here’s the standout. Saturday the 22nd of August morning. The swell drops to a clean 3 ft from the S, but the period is a very long 15 seconds. That’s proper groundswell. The wind is light from the NW, cross-off, and the forecast says “very good surf conditions.” The combined energy is moderate at 667. This is the one to circle. It’ll be clean, the sets will have some push, and the long period means the lines will be well-defined. It’s a reef break, so it should handle that long period nicely. Crowds are often here, so expect some company. The afternoon is a bit smaller with a cross-shore breeze, but still fun.

Sunday the 23rd is a smaller, cleaner day with a 4 ft S swell and light winds. Good for a longboard or a grovel board.

Monday the 24th afternoon looks interesting again. The swell picks up to 5 ft from the SSW, period is short at 8 seconds, but the wind is clean and cross-off. The energy is moderate (626) and the forecast is “very good surf conditions.” This could be a fun session.

Tuesday the 25th is another solid pick. Morning has a 6 ft S swell, moderate 10-second period, and a gentle offshore from the NNE. The energy is moderate (796). Afternoon is 5 ft, still offshore, and clean. Both sessions are rated as very good.

After that, Wednesday the 26th and Thursday the 27th drop off hard. The swell gets small, the wind gets messy, and the energy fades. By Friday the 28th, it’s a tiny 2 ft S swell with a long 14-second period, but the wind is cross-shore and choppy. Not worth the drive.

So, the best bet is Saturday the 22nd morning. Clean, long-period groundswell at 3 ft from the S, light offshore winds, and Blacks Reef handling it beautifully. After that, Monday the 24th afternoon and Tuesday the 25th are the next best calls.

Rusty.

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