Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey, it’s Rusty. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – the next 16 days at Inside Reef (Hikkaduwa) are a bust for surf. There’s no good option in the whole stretch. The data is all “poor surf conditions” from start to finish.

It kicks off on Saturday, July 18th, with some clouds and a 12 mph cross-onshore wind from the west. The swell is a tiny 3 ft from the SSW, with a 13-second period. The combined energy is moderate (525), but the wind has it choppy and messy. Water temp is about 83°F, which is about 2°F warmer than normal – feels nice, but the waves are junk.

Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th bring more thunderstorms and onshore winds. The swell picks up to 4 ft on Monday morning (S, 18 sec, energy 1287), and 6 ft on Monday afternoon (S, 16 sec, energy 1923), but it’s still cross-onshore and choppy. That long period has some groundswell punch, but it’s wasted in the wind.

Through the middle of the week, Tuesday the 21st to Thursday the 30th, the swell bounces between 2 ft and 5 ft, but the wind stays onshore or cross-onshore from the west at 9–16 mph. The energy ranges from 333 to 1949, but it’s all “poor” or “marginal.” The water temp anomaly is normal, but it doesn’t matter.

Then we get to the end of July. Friday the 31st brings the biggest swell – 7 ft in the morning and 8 ft in the afternoon from the SSW, with periods of 17–18 seconds and energy through the roof at 3436 and 3756. That’s strong energy, and for a reef break, that long period groundswell could be a dream. But the wind is still cross-onshore at 12–16 mph, and the forecast says “poor surf conditions.” Painful.

Saturday August 1st and Sunday the 2nd keep the same story: 7 ft swells dropping to 4 ft, but always with onshore or cross-onshore wind and a “poor” call. Energy stays high (1097–2362), but the wind ruins it.

So, a full 16-day blank. It’s one of those stretches where the wind just won’t let up. Don’t lose hope – these forecasts can change. But for now, the board stays dry. If you’re into kiting, the wind might be your friend. Keep an eye on that 8 ft groundswell on the 31st – it would have been a standout if the wind cooperated.

Rusty.

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