The Pines Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and I’ve got the rundown on The Pines.

Right, so the first few days are a write-off—hardly any surf worth paddling for until Thursday, August 20th. Before that, it’s flat or tiny with nothing happening. Water temp is about 58°F, right where it should be for this time of year, so no weirdness there.

The Pines is a sheltered reef break that rarely breaks, so when it does come alive, it’s a special thing. First real window is Thursday morning, the 20th of August. We’ve got a clean 5ft SSW swell rolling in with a decent 13-second period, and a light offshore breeze from the NW to smooth things out. The combined energy is moderate (1001), and while the size isn’t huge, the conditions are clean for a rare session. Crowds are often around here, but if it’s working, you’ll want to be among them.

Friday the 21st is better. Morning sees a clean 6ft SSW groundswell, 14-second period, with a light cross-off out of the west around 10 km/h. The energy jumps into the strong range (2424), and the waves will have more punch. Good shape, good power, and still manageable for a solid surfer.

Saturday the 22nd of August is the real standout. Morning brings a 8ft SSW swell with a 16-second period and a light cross-off from the west—energy is 2881 (strong), and the quality is top-tier. This is the pick of the near term. That kind of period and direction on a reef like this means long, clean lines and plenty of juice. Winds stay light through the weekend.

Sunday the 23rd is still good—morning has 6ft SSW with 14-second period, light cross-off, and by the afternoon it goes glassy. Beautiful session, just a bit smaller.

Monday the 24th holds 5ft SSW groundswell with offshore winds—clean but smaller. Then Thursday the 27th of August morning fires up again with a serious 8ft SSW swell, 13-second period, and a solid offshore from the NW at around 12 mph. That’s expert territory at that size, but the energy is 2309 (strong) and the wind is perfect. That’s your second big standout.

Come Friday the 28th of August, we’ve got a massive 13ft SW swell, but the wind turns cross to onshore—mushy and choppy. That’s only for the brave and experienced, and even then, conditions are messy. Saturday the 29th cleans up with a 10ft SSW swell and cross-off wind, but it’s still big and gnarly.

By the start of September, the swell drops off sharply. From the 1st of September onward, we’re looking at waves under 3ft, long periods but weak energy (under 800), and it’s just not worth suiting up. The 2nd of September has a glassy 3ft swell, but it’s small and lacking any punch.

So, if you’re looking for the best, circle Saturday the 22nd of August and Thursday the 27th of August at The Pines. Clean, solid swell, offshore or light winds, and that rare reef magic. Leave the 13ft days for the pros and the kite crew.

Rusty.

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