Long Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Long Reef.

We’re starting off with a bit of a slow patch, but by the time we get to the first weekend in September, there’s a window of clean surf on the cards. The early days are a bit weak, but the ocean is just getting its breath back. The standout action is definitely further out, so keep the powder dry.

First up, we have some fun options on Saturday, August 29th. The morning session at Long Reef is looking alright with a 4ft swell from the SSE and light cross-off winds from the SSW at 3 mph. The water is sitting at 64°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year. The wave energy is moderate (424), so there’s enough push for a decent wave if you’re on the right board. The afternoon turns a bit cross-on, so the morning is the pick of the day.

Sunday, August 30th is similar. The morning has a smaller 3ft swell from the south, but with a light NW cross-off breeze at 3 mph, the surface will be clean. The energy drops a bit (250) but it’s still surfable. The afternoon gets a bit bumpy with the ESE cross-on wind.

Then we hit a bit of a lull. From Monday, August 31st through until Friday, September 5th, the surf really drops off. The swell gets tiny and the wind is all over the shop. There’s a long period swell on the 31st of 15 seconds, but it’s only 2ft – not enough grunt. The wind is messy, and the energy is low. It’s a flat spell, no two ways about it. That’s about a 6-day gap with nothing worth rushing out for.

Now, here’s the real standout. Sunday, September 6th morning. The swell jumps up to 6ft from the south, with a period of 10 seconds. The wind is a light NNW cross-off at 6 mph, and the wave energy is strong (526). The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions”. This is the one to circle in the calendar. It’s the best looking swell in the whole run. The afternoon gets onshore, so get out early.

After that, things get messy again. The wind cranks up from the 7th through the 9th, with strong offshore winds that will make paddling a fight. On Wednesday, September 9th, the swell builds to 7ft from the south (energy 843), but it’s got a strong SSW cross-off wind at 16 mph. That’s a lot of wind. It’s likely to be a lumpy, challenging session, best left for the experienced crew.

The tail end of the forecast, around Saturday, September 12th morning, looks glassy with a 3ft swell from the south (11-second period). Light N winds at 3 mph, glassy conditions. It’s small, but clean. Then Sunday, September 13th morning brings a 5ft south swell with a light NNW cross-off – another solid option if you’re patient.

The true standout here is Sunday, September 6th for the combination of size, clean wind, and energy. The 9th is big, but the wind will be a factor. The 12th and 13th mornings are the cleanest small-wave options.

Keep your eyes on the ocean, and your wax on.

Rusty.

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