The Pines Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what The Pines has in store for us over the next couple of weeks.

First thing you need to know: this is a reef break that’s a rare bird – it rarely breaks, so when it does, it’s an event. The water temp is sitting at 58°F, which is about normal for this time of year, so nothing weird going on there.

We’ve got a big gap at the start with nothing worth paddling out for until Tuesday the 28th, but honestly, that Tuesday is a write-off. We’ve got a 6ft SSW swell, but it’s cross-off with a moderate breeze and the forecast is marginal. The wave energy is moderate (1460), but the conditions just aren’t there, so give it a miss. Wednesday the 29th pumps up to a solid 13ft SSW swell with very strong energy (8483), but it’s cross-off and the forecast is still marginal, so it’s not the clean, organised wave you want on a reef that’s this sheltered.

Now, if you’re hanging for a real standout, lock in Thursday the 30th morning. That’s your best bet in the first week. We’ve got 8ft of SSW swell with a nice 13-second period, and the wind goes completely glassy – just 3 mph from the SSW. That’s the good stuff. The water will be like glass, and the energy is strong (2260). This is the session to aim for.

Friday the 31st is a step down with smaller 5ft swell and weaker energy (733), and ordinary conditions. Saturday the 1st of August has a promising afternoon though: 8ft SSW at a very long 18-second period, with clean offshore wind from the NNW (12 mph). That’s classic groundswell. The energy is strong (3375), and the wind is offshore and clean. Just keep in mind, that long period means you want to be on the point or reef section – it might close out on a beach. But for The Pines, it could be magic.

Sunday the 2nd starts clean offshore in the morning with 6ft SSW, but by afternoon the wind swings onshore and it gets ugly. Monday the 3rd and Tuesday the 4th are both messy and not worth your time. Wednesday the 5th and Thursday the 6th are small, though Thursday the 6th morning has a clean 3ft SSW with a super long 20-second period – weak energy (1220), but a clean, glassy morning if you want a longboard.

Friday the 7th of August is another solid standout. Morning has 8ft SSW at 16 seconds with clean cross-off wind. That’s very strong energy (3360), and the afternoon cleans up even more with offshore wind. This is a full day of quality waves for the experienced crew. Over 8ft is expert territory here.

The second week is more of a mixed bag. Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th have cleaner conditions but smaller swell, though Sunday morning has a howling 22 mph cross-off wind that’ll blow the tops off the 8ft SW swell – it’s more a kite day than a paddle day. Monday the 10th is average. Tuesday the 11th is a no-go with onshore chop. Then we get a spike Wednesday the 12th of August: 10ft to 12ft SW at 18-19 seconds with very strong to extreme energy (10729 to 13835). That’s a huge groundswell, but the wind is light onshore, so it’s marginal. It could be a freight train of a wave, but it’s one for the experts only, and you’d need to be watching the wind closely.

Overall, the best on offer are Thursday 30th morning for glassy conditions and Friday 7th August for a full day of solid, clean, offshore waves. The rest is either too small, too messy, or too big for the average punter. Keep your eyes on those two windows.

Rusty.

Read more