Long Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Long Reef.

First things first – the water temp is sitting at 18°, pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

We’ve got a bit of a quiet start. Friday the 4th has the best of the early action with a clean 5ft south swell (moderate energy of 537) and a light cross-off breeze in the morning. That’s your best bet for the opening day – sets have a solid 11-second period, so there’s some proper groundswell push in the water. The 12-second swell on the 12th gives clean, high-quality lines but it comes with a cross-onshore, so not as clean.

Saturday the 5th drops right off – tiny, messy, not worth paddling out. Sunday the 6th has a brief window of clean conditions with a 3ft swell and offshore breeze, but the period is only 7 seconds, so it’s weak and a bit jumbled. Hold out.

Monday the 7th morning is the first real highlight – 5ft south swell, 8-second period, light offshore WNW breeze, clean, and the energy is moderate (263). Good little session for the crew who can get out early.

Tuesday the 8th sees the swell pick up – 8ft in the morning, 8ft in the afternoon with that south groundswell hitting 11 seconds. That afternoon session has strong wave energy (1579) but the wind shifts cross-onshore. The size is getting into expert territory – over 8ft – so only for the experienced. Still, when it’s that size on a reef, the setup is serious.

Wednesday the 9th morning offers another clean window – 5ft from the SSE, light offshore breeze, moderate energy (426). Worth a look.

Now, the real standout: Thursday the 17th afternoon. This one’s a cracker. 10ft of pure south groundswell with a 12-second period, light offshore wind, and a massive 3494 combined energy – that’s powerful, clean, and with very light wind, the reef will be firing. This is expert-only territory, no question, but if you’ve got the skills, this is the session to circle on the calendar. It’s more than a week away, so keep an eye on the forecast shifts, but man, it’s got potential.

Friday the 18th morning gets big too – 12ft swell, 14-second period, but with a fresh cross-shore and lumpy conditions. That size and power, combined with strong side wind, makes it a beast. Honestly, this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

The last few days from the 14th to the 16th are mostly flat or blown out. The 15th has a 7ft NE swell, but it’s onshore and choppy – not worth it.

Bottom line: The first week offers a few clean windows for the competent, with Monday the 7th morning and Wednesday the 9th morning being the solid calls. But the big dance is Thursday the 17th afternoon – it’s the one that’ll get the heart pumping.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty

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