Nine Mile Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s on the cards for Nine Mile Reef.

The next couple of weeks have a bit of everything, but the real standout is shaping up to be Tuesday morning, 21 July, with glassy conditions and a solid, long-period groundswell that’ll have the reef firing. It’s a reef break, so with that long period swell (14 seconds) it’s going to hold up nicely, with proper shape and plenty of energy. The combined swell energy is strong (1397), and the wind is glassy – that’s about as good as it gets for a morning session. This one is for experienced surfers though, as the swell is 6ft. If you can handle it, this is the pick of the forecast.

The build-up to that starts Monday morning, 20 July, with a clean 4ft swell from the SW and a gentle offshore breeze. It’s a modest start, but a nice way to ease in. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, so nothing unusual there.

After Tuesday’s peak, Wednesday morning, 22 July, keeps the quality going with a clean 5ft swell and light offshore wind. The period drops to 12 seconds, still a decent groundswell, and the energy is moderate (606). It’s a very good option, but not quite the standout.

Thursday, 23 July, stays consistent with a gentle offshore breeze and a 5ft to 5ft SW swell. Clean, rideable, and reliable. The energy is moderate (666). A solid choice for a mid-week session.

Now, Friday, 24 July, brings a tricky one. The morning is glassy with a 8ft SSW swell, but that’s getting too big for this reef. The combined energy is very strong (2306), and the forecast says it’s too big for this break. Afternoon sees the wind turn onshore, so it’s a day to sit out unless you’re a very experienced local who knows the reef.

Saturday, 25 July, is messy with cross-onshore winds and a 6ft swell. The energy is still strong (2023), but the wind is going to make it lumpy. Not the best call.

Sunday, 26 July, sees a nice calm return. Glassy conditions, a 4ft SW swell, and clean waves. The energy is moderate (455). A good morning for a longboard or a fun board.

Monday, 27 July, starts glassy with a 5ft SW swell and moderate energy (677). A good option, but the afternoon turns ugly with a fresh cross-onshore breeze at 30 km/h and lumpy conditions. Get out early.

Tuesday, 28 July, and Wednesday, 29 July, are poor. Cross-onshore winds, bumpy, and generally not worth the paddle. Wednesday has a 7ft swell, but the wind ruins it.

Thursday, 30 July, brings a return to glassy conditions. A 5ft SSW swell and moderate energy (603). Clean and fun. A good one to look forward to.

Friday, 31 July, has a moderate offshore breeze, but the swell is small (3ft) and the energy is low (312). It’s clean, but not very powerful. The afternoon gets blown out.

Saturday, 1 August, and Sunday, 2 August, are write-offs. Gale-force winds, rain, and tiny, messy swell. The energy is weak (147 and 118). Don’t bother.

But then, Monday, 3 August, has a big red circle on the calendar. The morning is glassy, with a 6ft SW groundswell and a very long period of 15 seconds. The combined energy is very strong (1635). This is another one for experienced surfers only, as the size and power will be intense. The long period will make the waves feel bigger and more powerful, and at a reef, it’ll be a serious session. It’s over a week away, so things could change, but it’s promising.

Tuesday, 4 August, also has a 7ft SW swell, but the forecast warns it might be too big for the break. The wind is a gentle offshore, so if you’re a charger, it might be worth a look, but it’s pushing the limits.

So, to sum it up: the absolute best is Tuesday morning, 21 July, for the glassy, long-period, powerful groundswell. The second standout is Monday morning, 3 August, for a similar, very powerful session. The rest of the time has plenty of clean, fun, smaller waves, especially on the mornings of 22, 23, 26, 27, and 30 July. Don’t waste your time on the 25, 28, 29, 1, or 2 August.

Rusty out.

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