Hullets Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s coming down the line at Hullets Reef.

First things first, the water is running at 56.3°F which is a full 9.5°F colder than what you’d usually expect for this time of year. That’s not just chilly, that’s a proper sting in the suit, so don’t be shy with the rubber.

The 16-day window kicks off on Saturday the 15th of August, but honestly, Saturday is a write-off. The morning has a weak 3.6ft cross-on mess with only 603 (moderate wave energy) and a score that says don’t bother. The afternoon gets worse – 12.4 mph easterly wind, choppy, poor. No good.

Sunday the 16th is where it starts to get interesting. The morning brings 5.2ft SW swell with 954 (moderate wave energy) and a cross-off breeze keeping it clean. The real gem is Sunday afternoon though – the wind swings offshore from the WSW at 12.4 mph, the swell holds at 5.2ft, and it’s clean. This is your first proper window. The period is 12 seconds, so a nice groundswell pushing in.

Monday the 17th morning is a standout. 7.9ft of SW swell, 14-second period, combined energy of 2312 (strong wave energy), and a cross-off breeze. This is excellent for experienced surfers. This is the pick of the first week. That big, long period SW groundswell will wrap in nicely at this reef. The afternoon drops right off – don’t get caught out.

Tuesday the 18th keeps the fire going. 6.6ft in the morning with 1438 (strong wave energy), clean. Tuesday afternoon is even better: 7.5ft, 13-second period, 1875 (strong wave energy), and clean conditions with the wind barely a whisper. That’s a solid, surfable day.

Wednesday the 19th morning is tricky – 8.2ft, but onshore wind and a questionable tide make it marginal. Stick to Wednesday afternoon: 8.2ft SW, 12-second period, offshore wind at 9.3 mph, and clean. That’s a good session for those who know what they’re doing.

Thursday the 20th morning is glassy. 8.2ft SW swell, 12-second period, 1928 (strong wave energy), and glassy conditions. That’s a dream start to the day. The afternoon gets a bit lumpy with a cross-on, so get out early.

Friday the 21st is another cracker. Morning is glassy again with 6.6ft SW swell and 1132 (strong wave energy). Afternoon stays clean with offshore wind. Consistent, clean, and punchy.

Saturday the 22nd morning ramps up: 11.5ft SW swell, 10-second period, 2489 (strong wave energy), and clean. That’s big for this setup. The afternoon goes huge – 19.7ft, 13-second period, 11828 (very strong wave energy), but with a 21.7 mph cross-off, it’s going to be wild. That’s expert territory only, and even then, it might be more of a show than a go.

Sunday the 23rd is the biggest of the run. 19.7ft of SSW swell at 15-second period, 20851 (very strong wave energy), and fresh offshore wind. That is a colossal, long-period groundswell. The reef will be handling a lot of water. Swell over 8.2ft is for experts only, and this is triple that. Incredible power but you need to know what you’re doing.

From Monday the 24th onwards, conditions get messier. The swell stays solid at 11.5ft to 8.2ft but the wind turns cross-on from the east, making it choppy and lumpy. Not great for paddle surfing – that setup with strong wind and big swell on a reef might actually look more interesting for kite surfing than a clean wave.

There’s a brief window on Thursday the 27th afternoon – 6.9ft, 14-second period, 1791 (strong wave energy), and a light cross-off breeze. Clean, and for experienced surfers, it’s excellent.

Friday the 28th afternoon has a small, clean 3.0ft SSW groundswell with a 16-second period. That’s a very long period, which at a reef will give you lovely, lined-up waves with long gaps between sets. Good for a mellow session.

Saturday the 29th is another standout morning: glassy conditions, 5.9ft SW swell, 13-second period, 1600 (strong wave energy). Clean, punchy, and consistent.

The tail end of the outlook on Sunday the 30th is blown out by strong winds, so don’t bother.

The best on offer: Sunday the 16th afternoon and Monday the 17th morning for the first week, then Thursday the 20th morning for that glassy session. In the second week, Saturday the 29th morning is the pick – clean, solid, and consistent.

Keep an eye on the big ones on the 22nd and 23rd – huge swell, but only for the brave.

Crowds at Hullets Reef are listed as “sometimes”, so you might get a few out there on the good days, but

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