Flynns Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get straight into it. We’re looking at Flynns Reef. Honestly, the first few days are a write-off, so don’t bother paddling out until things settle down later on.

Right now, and through the coming days, we’ve got a cranky southwest swell trying to push in, but the trade winds are absolutely destroying it. Thursday the 9th through Tuesday the 13th is a frustrating stretch of fresh cross-onshore winds, lumpy, choppy conditions, and generally poor surf. Even though there’s decent size – Monday morning has a 5ft SW groundswell with a 19-second period, and the combined swell energy hits 1864 (moderate-strong energy) – it’s all blown out. No good for anyone, not even the die-hards.

Wednesday the 14th and Thursday the 15th see the wind ease up a notch, but we’re still looking at moderate to fresh cross-onshore winds with 8ft to 10ft SW swell. That’s expert-only size territory, but the wind is still making it ugly and lumpy. Save the energy.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The standout window opens on Saturday the 16th of August. Saturday afternoon brings clear skies, a light SSE breeze that’s cross-offshore, and a clean 6ft swell from the southwest (15-second period). Combined swell energy is a solid 1595 (moderate energy). That’s proper, clean reef-break conditions for experienced surfers. Definitely the pick of the whole run.

Sunday the 17th morning also looks promising with an east offshore breeze at 12 mph and a 4ft SW swell (14 seconds). The energy is 726 (moderate energy). Still clean, but a bit smaller and with that offshore wind making for some smooth faces. Best for the early session before the seabreeze kicks.

Monday the 18th and Tuesday the 19th see smaller, cleaner 3ft to 4ft SW swell with light to gentle cross-offshore breezes. Nice little waves for logs or mid-lengths, but nothing to get your heart pumping.

Then we’ve got another quiet spell Wednesday through Friday, with weak swell under 3ft and mostly poor wind. Things finally chill out, but there’s just not much to ride.

The last potential highlight shows up on Sunday the 24th of August. The afternoon has a glassy 4ft SW groundswell (15 seconds) with the combined swell energy at 871 (moderate energy). Light east wind, flat water. That’s a real nice session for the crew who can wait. Southwest swell direction is spot on for Flynns Reef’s optimum.

One thing to note: The water temperature is about average for the time of year here, nothing wild, just what you’d expect.

Flynns Reef is a consistent reef break, but it can get crowded as soon as conditions clean up, so expect company on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. It’s a fairly exposed spot, so when the wind seriously gets on it, you’re not surfing.

For the hard charging kiters? With that 10ft SW swell and cross-onshore wind on Friday the 15th, the setup would be more interesting for them than us paddle surfers.

Summing it up: Saturday the 16th afternoon is your best bet – clean, solid, and good energy. Next best is Sunday the 24th afternoon if you can hold out. Besides that, it’s a patchy fortnight with plenty of waiting.

Rusty.

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