Flynns Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, switching to feet and Fahrenheit.

The first good surf window opens up on Saturday, August 1st, but don’t get too excited. We’ve got a long period SW groundswell rolling in at 2ft to 4ft, with a period of 18 seconds. That’s some serious energy in the water, and the combined swell energy is moderate at 466, building to 1151. The issue is the wind. Saturday morning we’ve got a 15 km/h NNE cross-off breeze, which is workable, but the afternoon swings to a cross-shore that’ll put a bit of chop on the surface. The water temp is 56°, which is about normal for this time of year, nothing weird there.

Sunday, August 2nd, is a write-off. Fresh 30 km/h north winds just spoil the surface, and the swell is lumpy with cross-chop. The combined energy is still moderate (1050 and 892), but the wind is just too messy. Monday and Tuesday are even worse, with onshore winds and rain showers. Monday morning sees a strong 45 km/h cross-on wind, and the combined energy jumps to 1634, but the surf quality is poor. That’s a no-go for a paddle surfer.

We get a bit of a break on Wednesday, August 5th, but the swell drops to 2ft and the wind is cross-on, so it’s just not worth it. The combined energy is weak (443 and 472). Thursday and Friday are marginal at best, with light winds but small swell.

Now, here’s the standout. Friday afternoon, August 7th, you want to be in the water. The wind goes glassy, and the swell is a clean 4ft from the SW with a 15-second period, and the combined energy is a solid 1169. That’s as good as it gets in this window. The reef at Flynns Reef will be handling that long-period groundswell nicely, and with glassy conditions, the waves will be clean and lined up. This is a reef break, so the long period is a major plus – it’ll wrap in and give you some proper barrels. It’s an advanced spot, and it’s consistent, so expect a few heads out there, but it’s often crowded, so be prepared for company.

After that, we get a bit of a messy spell. Saturday, August 8th, the wind picks back up to 40 km/h, which is a write-off. Sunday and Monday are also poor, with onshore winds and lumpy conditions.

Then, things get interesting again around Monday, August 10th, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. The afternoon sees a 7ft SW swell with a combined energy of 4220, which is strong. The problem is the wind is cross-on, so it’ll be choppy and challenging. That’s a big wave for experts, but the wind isn’t cooperating.

The next real highlight comes on Tuesday, August 11th, and Wednesday, August 12th. Tuesday morning brings a 6ft SW swell with a 15-second period and a light north cross-shore at 10 km/h. The combined energy is 1545, and with light wind, it’ll be a clean, powerful wave. Wednesday morning is similar, with a 7ft SW swell, 14-second period, and light north cross-shore. The combined energy is 1527. This is a solid run of surf for the experienced crew. The swell is big enough that it’s for experts only, and the long period groundswell will be working best on the reef. Expect some serious energy.

We get a bit more action on Thursday, August 13th, but the wind is cross-on and lumpy, so it’s not worth it. Friday, August 14th, has a 7ft SW swell with a 17-second period and combined energy of 2684, but the wind is still cross-on, even if it’s light. It’s a marginal call, but for the brave, the wave size is there.

The last few days, August 15th and 16th, see the swell dropping off. Saturday is messy with onshore winds, but Sunday, August 16th, the afternoon clears up with a 4ft SW swell, 17-second period, and a light cross-off wind from the SSE at 10 km/h. The combined energy is 1190, and the conditions are clean. That’s a nice way to finish the run.

If you’re picking a single session, the Friday afternoon, August 7th, is the true standout – glassy, clean, and a decent swell. The Tuesday and Wednesday mornings (August 11th and 12th) are for the experts who want some serious power.

Rusty.

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