Blacks Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break down what’s happening at Blacks Reef. Water temp is running around 55°F right now, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – grab a warmer wetsuit.

We get going on Thursday morning (30 July). Surf is around 5ft, coming from the ESE with a 12-second period – a solid groundswell that’ll have wider sets. Wind is a light cross-off from the north at 9 mph, leaving the surface glassy clean. The combined swell energy is 701 (moderate), and conditions are looking primo. This is the best of the early days: clean, fun, and head-high.

Thursday afternoon drops a little to 4ft, still clean and good. Friday morning sees the swell drop to 3ft, still clean, but by Friday afternoon it goes cross-shore and quality fades. It’s small and marginal after that.

Then things go sideways. Saturday (1 August) pumps up to 10ft in the morning and 12ft by afternoon out of the S/SSW, but the wind is howling onshore at 19 mph. Energy jumps to 1363 and 2263 (strong), but it’s blown out and lumpy. That’s a kite-surfing day, not a paddling day. Avoid it.

Sunday (2 August) drops to 8ft from the south, 12-second period, with a light cross-on breeze. Energy is still solid at 1885, but the wind keeps it messy – marginal. Monday and Tuesday have similar issues: plenty of swell (6ft to 10ft) but onshore winds and chop ruining the surface. Tuesday (4 August) has energy over 3000, but it’s straight onshore and ugly.

The mid-week is a write-off. Wednesday (5 August) has 8ft swell and onshore gales at 22 mph. Forget it.

But then – Saturday (8 August). That’s the day. Swell holds at 8ft from the SSE, 9-second period, and the wind goes glassy – dead calm on the afternoon, barely a whisper in the morning. Energy is 1218 (strong), and it’s called excellent for experienced surfers. This is the standout of the whole 16-day window. The sets will be thick and powerful on the reef. Crowds are possible, so get there early. This is for the advanced crew.

Sunday (9 August) drops to 6ft with light cross-shore winds – cleaner but weaker. Monday and Tuesday (10-11 August) are tiny, with waves barely 2-2ft and energy as low as 37. Not worth paddling out.

Late in the window, Thursday and Friday (13-14 August) see a pulse of 6-6ft easterly swell with a 10-second period, but the wind is cross-onshore and fresh at 16-22 mph. It’s choppy and lumpy. Another blank run.

So, the bottom line: Thursday morning (30 July) is a clean, fun start. But the one to really circle is Saturday (8 August) – glassy, strong, and solid. The rest is mostly onshore slop or tiny dribble. Pick your day.

Rusty.

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