Hullets Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, mate, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on offer at Hullets Reef over the next couple of weeks.

The first week gets going with a bit of swell, but it’s not really clean until we get past the weekend. The water temperature is sitting about average for the time of year, which is standard.

The outlook starts Saturday the 18th of July. The swell is around 4ft from the S with a moderate 11 second period, and that combined energy is moderate (759). The wind is a cross-off, so it’s clean, but the wave comment says it’s marginal, so it’s not a day to get excited about. Sunday the 19th is similar, with a 5ft SW swell and a 9 second period (764), but the wind picks up to a strong 28 mph by the afternoon, and the energy drops right off, so that’s a write-off.

Monday the 20th sees a jump in size. The morning brings a 8ft SW swell with an 11 second period, and the combined energy hits 1702, which is strong. The wind is light and cross, so it’s clean but a bit criss-crossy. This is a big beach-break style wave, but that long period means it might be walling up a bit. Tuesday the 21st of July is where it gets interesting. The morning is glassy, with a 6ft SSW swell and a very long 15 second period. The combined energy is strong (1460). That’s a proper groundswell, and glassy conditions on a reef break like this is a treat. The swell is a bit too big for beginners, but for experienced surfers, this is a standout session. The afternoon wind turns cross-off, and the swell pushes to 7ft, still with a long 14 second period, so the energy stays up (1994).

Wednesday morning the 22nd is another beauty. The swell is 7ft from the SW with a 13 second period, the wind is light cross-off, and the combined energy is strong (1684). The conditions are excellent. By the afternoon, the wind becomes clean offshore, and the swell is a solid 7ft with a 12 second period – that’s a very good wave for an experienced surfer. Thursday the 23rd keeps the run going. The morning has a 10ft SW swell with an 11 second period, and it’s cross-off with strong energy (1843). The afternoon is clean offshore with a 8ft SW swell. This is still big, only for the experienced crew.

Now, Friday the 24th of July is the absolute standout. The morning is glassy, with a 13ft SSW swell and a very long 16 second period. The combined energy is exceptional (7384). The afternoon is equally glassy, with a 12ft SW swell and the same long period (6799). This is a huge, powerful groundswell – only for expert surfers on this reef. It’s a rare, exceptional event, and the glassy wind makes it all the more special.

The weekend turns ugly. Saturday the 25th has a strong 10ft SW swell, but the wind is strong cross-onshore, making it choppy and messy. Sunday the 26th is a bit better with a clean cross-off wind, but the swell is still 10ft with a very long 16 second period, and the wind is fresh, so it’s still a handful. The energy is still very strong (4638).

The second week gets messy. Monday the 27th has a 8ft SSW swell, but the wind is a strong cross-onshore, making it a write-off. Tuesday the 28th has a small 6ft swell, but it’s onshore and messy. Wednesday the 29th is a clean cross-off, but the swell is small at 5ft from the E, and the energy is weak (796). From there, it drops right off. Thursday the 30th, Friday the 31st, Saturday the 1st of August, and Sunday the 2nd of August all have poor conditions with small, weak swell and either onshore or strong winds. There’s a real gap of several days with nothing worth paddling out for.

So, to sum it up: the best of the best is Friday the 24th of July. That glassy, massive, long-period groundswell is a once-in-a-while kind of day. Tuesday the 21st and Wednesday the 22nd are also excellent, clean days for the more experienced. After that, it’s a long wait for the next decent wave.

Rusty.

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