The Pines Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Let's break down what’s happening at The Pines for the next couple of weeks. This is a sheltered little reef that rarely breaks, so you need to pick your moments.

We’ve got a slow start. The first proper surf shows up on Friday, July 10th. A 5-foot SSW swell with a very long 15-second period, and a light cross-off breeze from the north in the morning. It’s clean and the wave energy is moderate (987). Not huge, but clean and rideable. Water temp is average for this time of year. Crowds are often here, so be prepared to share.

That afternoon the swell drops a touch to 5 feet with an offshore breeze from the NNW.

Saturday the 11th is a total loss – howling offshore winds will keep you on the beach.

From Sunday the 12th through Tuesday the 14th, we see some serious size: 10-foot to 13-foot SSW swells. The energy readings are massive (up to 7758), but conditions are marginal with cross-off winds and chop. This is strictly for the experts. The wave periods are long (15-16 seconds), so the reef should handle it better than a beach break.

Now, the real standout. Wednesday, July 15th. The swell drops to a more manageable 8 feet from the SSW, with a long 15-second period. The wind goes glassy offshore from the WSW by the afternoon – absolutely pristine conditions. Energy is still strong (2754), but this is the cleanest window in the whole forecast. For experts, the morning is on; for strong intermediates, that afternoon glass-off is your best chance.

Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th stay fun with clean 5-foot to 7-foot SSW swell and light winds. Good, but not the peak.

We hit a dead zone from Saturday the 18th through Monday the 20th. Poor, blown-out junk and tiny surf. Don’t bother.

Then we get a massive pulse on Tuesday, July 21st. A 15-foot SSW swell with a 12-second period and glassy conditions. The combined energy is enormous (5432). This is "experts only" – it’s huge. But with glassy conditions over a reef, it’s a proper big-wave day.

The last big highlight is Thursday, July 23rd. Another big SSW swell, 12 to 13 feet, with a very long 16-second period and gentle offshore winds from the NNW. The energy is off the charts (9484). Again, experts only, but this is setup to be a classic session.

Friday the 24th stays in the 10-foot range with moderate offshore winds, still good for strong surfers, but by Saturday the 25th it’s all over with rain and strong winds.

So, your best bet for clean, manageable surf is Wednesday the 15th. For the big-wave crew, the 21st and 23rd are the ones to circle. The Pines doesn't break often, so when the forecast lines up, you move on it.

Rusty.

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