Nobbys Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty, and I’ve got a look at the next couple of weeks for Nobbys Reef. Let’s get into it.

Right off the bat, the first week is a bit of a struggle. We’ve got some swell, but the wind is mostly messy, and the quality is just not there. Wednesday the 12th is our best early shout, with a morning session offering 4ft of S swell at 10 seconds, and a light WNW offshore breeze. The water is sitting at 64°, which is a touch colder than we’d normally expect this time of year. The combined energy is moderate at best (268). It’s rideable, but you’ll be working for it.

Thursday the 13th and Friday the 14th are pretty ordinary. The swell hangs around 3ft, but the wind is all over the place – cross, onshore, and just generally not cooperating. We get a brief moment of glassy conditions Friday morning with 3ft S swell and a period of 7 seconds, but it’s weak and short-lived. The weekend is a write-off. Saturday the 15th through Monday the 17th is all rain showers and onshore winds, with swell bumping up to 5ft on Saturday afternoon, but it’s choppy and ugly. The energy climbs to 470 on Saturday morning, but it’s all windswell and no shape.

We’ve got a dry spell of real quality from the 18th through to the 26th. There are small waves, but the conditions are just average at best. A few mornings with clean offshore winds, like the 22nd and 23rd, but the swell is only 2ft to 3ft. Not enough to get excited about. The energy is low, mostly in the 70-150 range, and it’s just not offering much for paddle surfing.

Then, hold onto your board. Thursday the 27th is the standout. The models are showing a big jump in swell – 10ft of S groundswell with a 10-second period. The wind is light and offshore from the W in the morning, which is a dream. The combined energy is through the roof at 2418. That’s serious power. But here’s the thing: at 10ft, this is an expert-only affair at a reef break. It’s going to be heavy, and the current will be strong. The period is solid, meaning good shape, but it’s a lot of water moving around. The afternoon drops to 8ft but the wind goes onshore, so your window is the morning. It’s a long way out, so keep an eye on it, but this is the one to circle.

Honestly, for the first week, you’re better off waiting. The 27th of August is the only true standout, and it’s for the big dogs only. If you’re a beginner, stay well clear of that day. The rest of the week after that is a slow fade back to small, clean but weak conditions.

Rusty.

Read more