Hullets Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the pipe for the next couple of weeks.

First up, we’ve got Hullets Reef on the radar. The water temperature is sitting about average for this time of year, nothing out of the ordinary there. The patch we’re in is a reef setup that’s fairly consistent, with an optimum swell direction from the SE, but this forecast is all about SW swells coming in.

The start of the period kicks off on Monday the 27th of July, but don’t be in a rush. Monday morning’s got a 6 ft SW swell with a solid 12-second period, but that 25 mph cross-off wind is howling. The wave energy is strong (1690) but the conditions are only marginal. By the afternoon, the swell jumps to 10 ft, with a very long 17-second period from the SW, and the combined energy is pumping hard (5299 – strong). The wind drops a bit to 19 mph from the SSE, still cross-off, but the report calls it marginal. For most, that’s a lot of water moving fast – over 8 ft, so this is strictly for experienced surfers who know the reef.

The whole stretch from Tuesday the 28th through to Friday the 31st of July is a write-off. We’ve got solid swell sizes, but the wind is cross-on from the east or ENE, blowing 12-19 mph, making a mess of things. The wave energy stays moderate to strong, but it’s all poor surf conditions. Best to sit this one out.

Saturday the 1st of August brings a shift. The swell drops to a shorter-period 8-second E swell at 8 ft, but the wind is howling onshore from the ENE at 25 mph. The wave energy is still strong (1735), but with strong cross-onshore winds and messy conditions, it’s a hard pass. That setup might be more interesting for the kite surfers than paddle surfers.

Now, keep an eye on Sunday the 2nd of August. The morning shows a 6 ft swell from the SSW – very long period at 19 seconds – and combined energy is strong (3019). Wind is moderate from the NE, onshore. The conditions are marginal, but that long-period groundswell means better shaped waves. At a reef break like this, it could offer some clean lines if the wind plays nice, but it’s not a standout.

The real standout window is shaping up for Monday the 3rd of August. Monday morning has a 7 ft SW swell, 14-second period, and moderate cross-off wind from the west. The energy is strong (2198) and the conditions are clean. Then Monday afternoon – this is the goods. The swell drops slightly to 6 ft, still SW at 14 seconds, but the wind goes offshore from the SSW at just 9 mph. That’s gentle offshore and clean. The report calls it excellent for experienced surfers. This is your best bet in the first week.

The second week gets interesting again. On Thursday the 6th of August, the morning session could be a winner. An 8 ft SW swell at 14 seconds, with light cross-off winds from the WSW at just 6 mph. Combined energy is strong (2676) and the conditions are clean. Excellent for experienced surfers. But be careful – at over 8 ft, this is big, and those long-period swells (over 14 seconds) at a reef can have long gaps between sets, making paddling out easier, but the wave itself has a lot of power.

Friday the 7th of August is another possible standout. The swell holds at 10 ft from the SW, 14-second period. Friday afternoon has glassy conditions with an east wind at just 3 mph – that’s as good as it gets for clean faces. The energy is very strong (3339), and the report says it’s excellent for experienced surfers. That 10 ft is big, so again, experts only.

Saturday the 8th of August keeps the 10 ft SW swell going with light cross-on winds, but the shape might have a little ripple on it. Still, strong wave energy (4213 in the morning) means there’s plenty of power.

Sunday the 9th of August sees the swell drop to 7 ft from the SW, but the afternoon brings a shift – a 13 ft swell from the east, short 9-second period. That’s a big, junkier wave, and with cross-off wind from the west at 9 mph, it’s clean but messy. Only for the brave.

The last few days from the 10th to the 11th of August drop back down to 6-6 ft easterly swell, with fresh to strong cross-off winds. Not worth a special trip.

The best on offer? Without a doubt, Monday afternoon the 3rd of August and Friday afternoon the 7th of August. Both have clean conditions and solid SW groundswell. If you can only paddle out once, make it Friday the 7th for glassy, perfect lines – but you better know what you’re doing at that size.

Rusty.

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