Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let me give it to you straight about the outlook for Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa).

To be honest, mate, I’m looking at a pretty grim 16-day window. The guidance points to this spot being a solid reef for advanced surfers, needing a clean SW swell and some ENE wind to make it really sing. But the forecast just isn’t playing ball. The entire run is plagued by onshore and cross-onshore winds, predominantly from the west, which is not your friend here. On top of that, there's a constant threat of thunderstorms hanging around most days.

For the first few days, starting Tuesday the 25th, you’ve got a solid SW groundswell pushing in with periods around 15 seconds, and the combined swell energy is very strong, hitting over 1100. But it’s all for nothing with that onshore wind and "poor surf conditions" stamped all over it. The water temp is sitting at 82°, which is about average for the time of year. That massive swell on the 27th, with energy readings over 2800 and a 19-second period, is actually more of a kiteboarding signal than a surfing one – too much wind and chop for a paddle.

Wednesday the 26th morning is the only blip on the radar, scraping a score of 1 out of 10. You’ll see a 4 ft swell with a very long 16-second period, but the wind is onshore. That’s not a recommendation, that’s just me being honest that it’s the least bad option. For a break that needs a clean window to work, this is a washout.

This pattern of poor quality hangs around for the entire forecast. There’s no standout period. The whole run is basically a long gap of "don't bother" stretching right through to the 9th of September. If you were hoping for a session, this is a real bummer. The reef will be there waiting, but the ocean is not cooperating. Forecasts can change, but right now, there is nothing on the table worth paddling out for.

- Rusty

Read more