Hullets Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’ve been staring at this 16-day window for a while, and I gotta say – it’s a slow burn, but there’s a couple of absolute crackers hidden in the back half. The first week is mostly a write-off for clean, proper surf, but don’t walk away just yet. The real gold shows up around the 21st and 23rd of July.

We start off on Monday the 13th with nothing really on offer. The swell is 5 ft from the east with a short 8 second period, but the wind is a cross-onshore mess and the wave energy is only moderate (517). It’s choppy and poor. Tuesday the 14th is a step up – the wind goes light offshore on the morning, and we get a cleaner 5 ft from the ESE with a 9 second period. The combined energy is still moderate (551), but it’s surfable. Wednesday the 15th sees a weird split: the morning is small and clean at 4 ft, but the afternoon jumps to 6 ft from the southwest with a 12 second period and energy rocketing up to 1180. Still, the conditions are called marginal, so it’s not a standout.

Now, Thursday the 16th brings a big jump in size – 10 ft from the southwest with a 14 second period – but the wind is onshore in the morning and the energy is already strong (3271). That’s expert territory, and the wind isn’t doing us any favours. Friday the 17th stays solid at 8 ft to 8 ft from the southwest, but the wind is a fresh cross-offshore, keeping it clean but big. Saturday the 18th is a total bust – strong cross-onshore winds ruin the 8 ft to 7 ft swell. Sunday the 19th is only mediocre.

Then we hit Monday the 20th. The morning is an absolute gem – glassy conditions, 7 ft from the southwest, 11 second period, and the energy is moderate (1092). This is the first real clean window. Afternoon gets choppy again, but that morning session is worth a paddle.

Here’s the highlight. Tuesday the 21st of July – the afternoon is where it’s at. The wind goes glassy, the swell is 10 ft from the SSW with a very long 16 second period, and the energy is massive (4412). This is groundswell, perfect for a reef break like Hullets Reef. The long period means it’ll stand up nicely on the reef, with long gaps between sets for an easy paddle out. This is for experienced surfers only – 10 ft is too big for beginners. The optimum swell direction is SE, and this is coming from the SSW, so it’s a bit off, but that glassy wind and size make it special.

Wednesday the 22nd keeps it pumping – 10 ft from the SW with a 15 second period, clean offshore winds, and energy at 3774. Another solid day for experienced crew.

But the real standout is Thursday the 23rd of July. We’re talking 15 ft from the southwest, 14 second period, and the energy is exceptional (7750). This is serious, big-wave territory. The wind is light offshore in the morning, keeping it clean. Only the most experienced surfers should even think about this. The swell direction matches the optimum for the reef perfectly.

Friday the 24th drops off a bit with onshore wind and a messy 12 ft from the east with a short period. Saturday the 25th morning is glassy again with 7 ft from the southwest and a 14 second period – energy is moderate (1992). That’s a good session. Sunday the 26th is blown out with strong cross-onshore winds. The last couple of days, the 27th and 28th, are cleaner but smaller, with 5 ft to 6 ft from the southwest.

So, the top pick: Thursday the 23rd of July for the big-wave crew, and Tuesday the 21st of July afternoon for the best combination of size and glassy perfection. The water temperature is about 65°, which is 1° cooler than average for this time of year – not a big deal, just a little cooler than normal. Crowds at Hullets Reef are sometimes a problem, so on the best days, expect a few others out there.

That’s the read. Keep your eyes on the 21st and 23rd. Rusty out.

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