Long Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let's talk about what's coming up for our little slice of the coast.

We've got a real mixed bag on the horizon. The next week or so is going to take some patience, with a lot of wind and messy conditions to wade through. But don't you worry, there are a couple of windows that look truly special if you time it right.

Things kick off on Sunday the 6th, but honestly, it's a write-off. We've got a 1.3m southerly swell with a short, weak 8-second period and a stiff cross-breeze from the SSE at 25 km/h. The combined energy is only moderate at 206, and it's just not worth paddling out for.

Monday the 7th morning, however, is a nice little surprise. The wind goes glassy out of the north at just 5 km/h, and the swell holds at 1.4m from the south. It's still a short period, but that glassy surface will make it look a hundred times better. It's a solid 2 out of 10 on my scale, which is actually a winner right now.

Tuesday the 8th morning sees the swell jump up to 2.5m from the SSE, but the period is still short and the wind is a cross-shore mess at 20 km/h. The energy is up to a moderate 900, but it's a messy, choppy beast. That afternoon drops to 1.9m but the wind swings onshore, so it's a no-go.

Wednesday the 9th is a stormy mess with 40 km/h southerly winds and a 2.5m swell. Leave the board at home.

Thursday the 10th morning has potential, but it's for the brave. We're looking at a solid 3.0m southerly swell with a 10-second period. The energy is strong at 1609, and the wind is a cross-offshore from the SSW at 25 km/h, which should keep things reasonably clean. This is borderline expert territory at that size.

Now, here's the standout. Friday the 11th morning is the one to circle on your calendar. The swell drops a touch to a still-chunky 2.5m from the south, but the period is a decent 10 seconds and, more importantly, the wind goes offshore from the WSW at a light 10 km/h. The combined energy is a massive 2355, signalling very strong wave energy. This is a 4 out of 10 forecast for experienced surfers, and for a reef break like Long Reef, that offshore wind and solid energy is going to produce some absolutely firing, clean barrels. Crowds are possible here, so get there early. It's a serious wave, though—well over 2.5m, so only for the experts.

Saturday the 12th morning is still decent, with a 1.7m south swell, 11-second period, and a light cross-offshore breeze. It's cleaner but smaller.

Things go quiet again after that. The middle of the following week sees a bump in swell on Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th, but the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, making for poor quality surf.

Then, look here—we have another real gem on the horizon. Thursday the 17th morning is glassy again with an easterly breeze at 5 km/h, and we've got a tiny but incredibly long-period 0.8m south swell at 17 seconds. That's a very long-period groundswell, and on a reef break, that could produce some incredibly clean, lined-up waves, even if they're small. The energy is surprisingly strong for the size at 691. It's a 3 out of 10 for very good surf conditions, but you'll need a bigger board.

Finally, Friday the 18th afternoon is another big one for the experienced crew. The wind goes offshore from the WNW at a moderate 20 km/h, and we've got a 1.0m south swell with a massive 19-second period. The energy is very strong at 1251. This is another 4 out of 10 for experienced surfers. The combination of a very long period groundswell and offshore wind on a reef is pure magic, but the swell direction (south) might not be hitting Long Reef perfectly. Still, if it lines up, it'll be a session to remember.

So, to sum it up: Friday the 11th morning is your best bet for solid, powerful, expert-level surf with offshore winds. Friday the 18th afternoon is a promising long-range call for the same kind of quality, but less certain this far out. For the rest of us, the glassy morning on Monday the 7th is the best small-wave window, and the glassy morning on Thursday the 17th could be a super clean, long-period surprise.

Stay stoked, and see you out there.

Rusty

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