Tamarama Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty. Let's have a proper look at what we've got lined up.

Straight up, the next couple of weeks are a bit of a mixed bag for Tamarama Reef. It’s a solid reef break that needs the right combo to fire, and for a good stretch here, the conditions just aren't cooperating. The water's sitting at about 63°, which is pretty much average for this time of year, so no drama there.

Looking at the first few days, it’s a bit of a grind. We’ve got some south swell pushing in, but the wind is all wrong—mostly a cross or cross-onshore breeze, which is making things messy. The energy is pretty weak to moderate, with readings around 320 and then dropping down. The waves are small, around 2.6ft to 3.3ft, and the quality is just ordinary. It’s not really worth paddling out for.

Then things get a bit wild. On Wednesday the 16th, we’re looking at a big pulse of south swell, pushing 10ft to 11.5ft, with the combined energy going ballistic—up around 1247 to 2523. That's serious power. But here’s the kicker: the wind is howling from the south-southwest at 25 to 28 mph. That’s a strong cross-onshore blow, turning the ocean into a washing machine. The report says poor surf conditions, and I’m telling you, unless you're a pro looking for a death session, this is a no-go. It’s too big for anyone but experts, and even then, it’s ugly. This kind of setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing, to be honest.

The wind stays nasty on Thursday the 17th with more big, messy swell, but it starts to drop through the day.

Now, finally, we get a window. Friday morning the 18th is the standout. The wind swings around to a light offshore from the north-northwest, around 6 mph. That’s clean, glassy conditions. We’ve got a 3.3ft south swell with a moderate period of 8 seconds, and the energy is a healthy 249. The report says "expect good surf conditions," and with that offshore wind, Tamarama Reef should be offering up some clean, workable waves. This is the one to aim for.

Saturday the 19th morning also looks promising—light cross-offshore wind and a tiny 1.6ft swell, but get this: the period is 17 seconds. That is very long period groundswell. The energy is still moderate at 359, but because it’s a reef break, those long-period lines will wrap in nicely. It’ll be clean, but the swell is small, so it’s more for the longboard or a fun fish. Just be aware, it’s an inconsistent spot, so you’ll be waiting for the sets.

After that, we go back into a bit of a lull. The swell drops right off into the 1.0ft to 2.6ft range, with periods all over the shop and the wind turning onshore or cross-shore again. There’s a gap of a few days with nothing worth getting excited about.

Then, looking way out, on Friday the 25th morning, we get another glimmer. A light cross-offshore breeze and a 3.6ft north-east swell. The energy is moderate at 206, and it’s looking clean again. It’s a long way off, so don’t lock it in, but it’s a date to keep an eye on.

So, bottom line: the best bet is Friday the 18th morning for clean, fun waves. Saturday the 19th morning is the dark horse for the long-period crew. The rest of the time, it's mostly a battle with the wind or a total flat spell. The crowd factor is “sometimes” at this reef, so on the good days, expect a few locals out.

Stay stoked.

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