Fishermans Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. Let’s be straight up—this sixteen-day run for Fishermans Reef is a quiet one. We’ve got a solid two-week stretch with barely a whisper of surf, so if you’re frothing for a paddle, you’re going to need some patience. The first proper surf worth mentioning doesn’t show until mid-August, but when it arrives, it brings a bit of punch.

The water temp sits at 57° right now, which is about 2° below the long-term average—so it’s a touch cooler than normal for this time of year, but nothing too wild.

Alright, from now through to early August, it’s flat or barely a bump. Thursday the 30th of July has a tiny 2ft easterly swell, with a 12-second period, but the cross-on wind from the NNW at 6 mph keeps it messy. Combined energy is only 111 (weak), and the call is poor surf—not worth the wetsuit. Friday the 31st sees a short-period 3ft northerly swell with a 7-second period and a moderate cross-off breeze, but it’s just not doing anything special. Saturday the 1st of August is glassy, with a whisper of a 1ft easterly swell, but combined energy drops to 49—dead flat. Sunday and Monday are even smaller. That pattern holds through the first week of August, with the odd pulse of windswell but never enough to get excited. The gap of really no surf lasts a solid twelve days.

We finally get a flicker on Wednesday the 12th of August—morning brings a 4ft swell from the ENE with an 11-second period, light offshore wind from the SW at 6 mph, and clean conditions. Combined energy hits 374 (moderate), and while the comment says “surfable but very ordinary,” it’s the best we’ve seen. That afternoon the swell jacks to 6ft with the same offshore wind, and energy climbs to 684—still ordinary, but a paddle might be worth it if you’re desperate.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Thursday morning the 13th of August is the standout of the whole outlook. We’re looking at a solid 10ft swell out of the NE, period around 8 seconds, light cross-off breeze from the WNW at 6 mph, and clean conditions. Combined energy is 1318 (strong). The wave comment says “expect good surf conditions.” That’s big for Fishermans Reef—this spot is very sheltered and rarely breaks, so to see a 10ft pulse with clean winds is a rare treat. Keep in mind it’s a beach-and-reef setup, and with that size it’s for experienced surfers only. Beginners should sit this one out. The afternoon gets a bit cross-onshore, so hit the early morning.

Friday the 14th of August keeps the goods rolling: 7ft ENE swell with a 12-second period, fresh offshore WSW wind at 19 mph, and clean lines. Combined energy is massive—2107 (very strong). The period over 11 seconds means proper groundswell, and while that long-period swell can make beach breaks close out, it’s a reef spot, so it should hold shape nicely. The offshore wind keeps it glassy. Again, this is expert territory at that size.

Overall, if you can wait it out, Thursday morning the 13th and Friday the 14th of August are the two days to circle. The rest of the window is a desert. Stay keen.

Rusty.

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