Lawrencetown Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for the next stretch.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a bit of a slow start. The first real chance to get wet doesn’t kick in until Tuesday morning, the 28th of July, at Lawrencetown Reef. That’s a reef setup, exposed to the swell, and it’s a beginner-friendly spot. The water temperature is sitting at 56°, which is a solid 4° colder than usual for this time of year – that’s a notable chill, so don’t forget the thick rubber.

Tuesday morning has a little south-southeast swell rolling in at 3ft, with a period of 8 seconds. The wind is a light, cross-off breeze from the WNW at 6 mph, which will keep things clean. The wave energy is moderate (213). It’s not a world-beater, but it’s a clean, rideable start. The afternoon turns ugly though, with a southerly onshore wind messing it up, so aim for the early session.

Wednesday morning, the 29th, looks nice. That’s a glassy morning with a 3ft S swell and 8-second period. The wind is dead calm from the WNW at 3 mph – glassy conditions. The energy dips a bit (158), but for a relaxed morning paddle, it’s a winner. Afternoon again gets blown out by a southerly wind.

Thursday the 30th holds a bit of promise with a 3ft S swell and a longer 10-second period, giving the waves a bit more shape. The ENE wind is a cross-off at 9 mph, keeping it clean. Wave energy is moderate (191). The morning is the call.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Friday the 31st is the standout of the first week. The morning shows a 4ft S swell with a 9-second period, decent energy (406), and a clean cross-off wind. But the afternoon is the real gem: the swell bumps up to 5ft from the S, with a 10-second period, and the energy jumps to 511 – that’s strong. The wind is still a clean cross-off from the ENE at 9 mph. That’s some proper, punchy reef surf. The swell is getting up there, so it’s starting to push into intermediate territory, but it’s not too big for a confident beginner. The wind is clean, so the lines should be good.

Saturday the 1st of August morning is a solid option too – 4ft S swell, clean cross-off, good energy (286). But the afternoon is a write-off. Sunday the 2nd morning is glassy with a 4ft S swell, another good clean session.

Monday the 3rd of August morning is glassy again with a 3ft SSW swell, period of 10 seconds. Energy is moderate (200). That’s a lovely, clean morning.

After that, things fall off a cliff. From Tuesday the 4th of August all the way through to Wednesday the 12th of August, the surf is mostly flat or tiny, with poor conditions. The swell drops to 2ft and below, and the wind keeps shifting around. There’s a small bump on the 7th and 8th of August with some 3ft to 4ft S swell, but the period is a dismal 5 to 6 seconds – that’s just wind chop, not real surf. The energy is weak (40 to 90). It’s a long stretch of not much to get excited about.

So, the takeaway? Your best bet is Friday afternoon, the 31st of July, at Lawrencetown Reef. That 5ft S swell with a 10-second period and clean cross-off wind is the clear winner. The Sunday morning and Monday morning sessions are also decent fallbacks if you can’t make Friday. After that, it’s a long wait until the next decent swell shows up, and that one looks pretty ordinary.

Rusty.

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