Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let me break it down for you in feet and miles.

For the Reef, the first week and a half is a tough slog. Starting Wednesday the 19th of August, we’ve got a long stretch of small, weak, and messy surf. Swell heights barely reach 2 feet, with short periods leaving the water feeling flat. The wind is almost always cross or cross-onshore, so the surface is lumpy and choppy. Wave energy readings are weak — all under 100. The water temp is about 71°, normal for this time of year.

That flat spell runs for a solid week, with just about nothing worth paddling for. The first real blip comes on Wednesday the 26th, when a NW pulse lifts the swell to around 5 feet. But the period is short — 8 to 9 seconds — so the waves will be fat and messy, and the wind stays cross-onshore. Energy is moderate, hitting 364 and 311, but it’s still frustrating surf.

The one day that’s really worth talking about is Monday the 31st of August. Morning swell builds to 6 feet from the NW with a 10-second period, and wave energy climbs to 600 (moderate, but the best we’ve seen). By the afternoon, we’re looking at 7 feet of NW swell, period still 10 seconds, and energy jumping to 883 — that’s strong. The wind swings offshore from the W, and the conditions look favorable. But be warned: this is a reef break, and 7-foot waves are expert-only territory. The optimum swell direction is SW, and this is NW, so it might not connect perfectly, but if you’re experienced, that afternoon session is your best shot.

Sunday the 30th also has some size — about 5 feet — but the wind is cross-onshore, so it’s not as clean.

After that, the first few days of September see a drop back to 5–3 feet with cross winds and lumpy conditions.

So here’s the takeaway: one standout — Monday the 31st of August afternoon. If you’re a confident surfer, that’s the window. The rest of the 16 days is mostly a washout.

Rusty.

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