Third Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk Third Reef. This forecast is a slow burner, so don’t rush out the door just yet. The first few days are a mess with that cross-onshore wind and lumpy surf. The water is 54°, which is a good bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you’ll need a thick wetsuit.

The first real chance comes on Monday, August 3rd in the afternoon. The wind dies right off, glassy as a mirror, and the swell is 7ft from the NW with a 9-second period. The energy is moderate (783). It’s a reef break, so that period is good for shape. That’s your first decent option for the experienced surfer.

We get a calm spell through the middle of the week. Nothing worth paddling out for until Friday, August 7th in the afternoon. Another glassy window, 5ft NW swell, moderate energy (563). Clean, small, but fun.

Now, the real standout is Sunday, August 9th in the afternoon. The swell is 8ft from the NW, period at 9 seconds, and the wind is glassy. The energy jumps to a strong 1236. This is the kind of day you call in sick for. The forecasters say it’s excellent for experienced surfers, and I’m with them. That’s the best of the whole 16 days.

Monday, August 10th afternoon is another ripper: glassy, 8ft NW swell, and strong energy (1408). Another excellent call for the experienced crew. Then Tuesday, August 11th afternoon, glassy, 7ft, strong energy (956). The conditions are holding up.

Then the swell switches to a long-period south-southwest groundswell from the 13th. The period is 16 to 18 seconds, which is very long. That’s a lot of energy, but it can be a bit straight at the reef. The highlight there is Saturday, August 15th in the morning: 4ft from the SSW, 17-second period, glassy, and strong energy (1223). That’s a beautiful, patient session.

So, the top pick is the 9th afternoon, with the 10th afternoon right behind it. Don’t rush the first week, but the second week has some magic in it.

- Rusty

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