The Pines Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Alright, let’s have a look at what’s comin’ our way. This forecast is all about one spot: The Pines. It’s a sheltered little reef break that rarely breaks, so when it does switch on, you gotta be ready. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing too weird going on there.

Now, the start of the run is a bit of a tease. We’ve got some solid groundswell building, but the conditions are just messy. Tuesday the 11th and Wednesday the 12th have swell in the water, but the wind and tide aren’t playing ball – that’s a pass for me. Thursday the 13th is where it gets interesting. That’s the standout of the whole outlook. The swell hits 12 ft from the SSW with a long 16-second period, and we get clean, glassy conditions with a light W wind. That’s proper groundswell energy, and the combined energy reading is a massive 5507 – that’s strong. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers only; at over 8 ft, it’s too big for beginners. The Pines is a reef, so that long-period swell will wrap in nicely. Crowds are likely here, so get in early.

Friday the 14th is still solid, with 12 ft swell in the morning, but the wind swings cross-shore and then cross-onshore, turning it messy by the afternoon. Saturday and Sunday drop off fast – onshore wind and dropping swell make it a write-off. There’s a big gap of poor conditions from Saturday the 15th right through until Thursday the 20th. Nothing worth paddling out for.

Things start to look up again on Friday the 21st. The morning has 5 ft from the SW with a long 18-second period and clean conditions. The real gem is Friday afternoon though – 4 ft from the SSW, 17-second period, and gentle offshore NNW wind making it glassy. The combined energy is 2228, and the forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” That’s a sweet little window for a more relaxed session. Saturday the 22nd and Tuesday the 25th offer some 4 ft to 5 ft waves with offshore winds, but nothing that rips your lid off. They’re surfable, but you won’t be callin’ your mates.

The real wildcard is the very end. Wednesday the 26th morning shows a 7 ft SSW swell with a 17-second period and clean cross-offshore wind. That’s a big, clean groundswell, but the wind’s a fresh 35 km/h. It’s rated marginal due to conditions, but if you’re a local who knows the reef, it could be worth a look. I’d keep an eye on that one – the long-range stuff can shift.

Bottom line: Thursday the 13th is your best bet for a proper session if you’ve got the experience. Friday the 21st afternoon is the one for a cleaner, smaller wave. Don’t bother between the 15th and 20th – it’s flat or blown out.

Rusty.

Read more