Long Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the pipe for Long Reef over the next couple of weeks.

Straight up, it’s a slow start and we’ve got a bit of a wait on our hands. The first few days are pretty grim with rain and onshore winds. It’s not until Monday, July 20th that we finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. The overall pattern is a gradual build to a solid pulse of groundswell, but the wind is going to be a major player in whether it’s actually any good.

The water temp is sitting at 64°, which is about 0.7° cooler than normal for this time of year, so nothing unusual, just standard winter chill.

Monday, July 20th morning is where it all clicks. The wind swings around to a light offshore from the West, and the swell is a solid 6 ft from the ENE at a decent 10-second period. The combined energy is moderate at (778) and the conditions are described as clean. This is a standout session. For a more advanced reef break like Long Reef, that 6 ft with offshore wind is going to be proper, well-shaped and holding up nicely. Just be aware, it’s a fairly consistent spot so you won’t be sitting around waiting forever, but the reports say crowds are sometimes possible, so be prepared to share it.

Tuesday, July 21st morning is another gem. The swell drops a touch to 5 ft, but the wind is glassy out of the Northwest. That’s going to give you silky smooth conditions. The energy is moderate (455) and the waves will be clean and fun. This is your second standout, a slightly smaller but equally clean option.

The rest of the first week and into the second week drops off significantly. From Wednesday the 22nd through to the end of July, the swell disappears. We’re looking at tiny waves, mostly under 3 ft, with a few days of clean conditions but nothing with any real push. The combined energy values drop into the double digits and low triple digits, signaling weak, marginal surf. There’s a big gap of small, ordinary surf here.

Then, right at the very end of the outlook, on Friday, July 31st, a new, punchy south swell shows up. We’re looking at 7 ft in the morning and 8 ft in the afternoon, but it’s a short-period wind swell (7-8 seconds) with a cross-shore wind. The energy is strong (441 to 660), but the short period makes it a bit lumpy and less refined. With that size, it’s going to be a handful and only for the experienced crew. The wind is cross-shore, so it won’t be pristine, but it’s got some grunt.

The best of the bunch: Monday July 20th morning, no question. That 6 ft ENE groundswell with a clean offshore wind is the pick of the whole outlook. Tuesday July 21st morning is a close second for the glassy conditions.

Keep it salty, and I’ll see you in the water.
Rusty.

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