Third Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's break down what's on the menu for Third Reef over the next couple of weeks.

We're looking at a pretty quiet stretch ahead. The surf is small for most of the run, and the conditions are a bit of a mixed bag. The good news is that we have a couple of standouts, but you'll need to pick your moments. The water temp is about what you'd expect for this time of year, nothing out of the ordinary.

The real highlight falls on Sunday afternoon, the 16th of August. That afternoon, the wind goes glassy, with a slight 3 km/h breeze from the NNW. The swell is a modest 3ft out of the SSW, but it's packing a long 16-second period, which gives it some real energy (579). It's going to be glassy, clean, and the best chance we've got for a proper session. That's the one to circle.

The next best option comes a week later, on Sunday afternoon, the 23rd of August. The wind is forecast to be dead calm, glassy, with a 5ft NW swell. The period is a bit shorter at 9 seconds, but the energy is solid (529). If you can wait, that's a promising window, though it's further out so keep an eye on it.

For the rest of the period, things are small. Monday the 17th has a tiny 3ft SSW swell with glassy morning conditions, so it's worth a look for a grovel, but it's marginal. From Tuesday the 18th through to the 22nd, it's mostly choppy, cross-on shore wind and small, weak surf. The last week of August and into the start of September looks consistently poor with small SSW swells and persistent cross-on breezes, nothing to get excited about.

The 27th of August afternoon sees a jump in size to 7ft, but from the NW with a short 8-second period and cross-on wind, making it a messy, choppy prospect. That's a kite-surfing setup more than a clean paddle session.

So, bottom line: snag that Sunday afternoon glass-off on the 16th, and keep an eye on the 23rd. Otherwise, it's a quiet time at Third Reef.

Rusty, signing off.

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