Tongo Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s waiting for us.

First thing you’ll notice is the water temp: 80°F. That’s 10°F warmer than normal for this time of year – a real standout. As for the surf, it’s a story of patience.

Starting off on Thursday, July 30th, we’ve got a bit of swell at Tongo Reef, about 4ft from the SW with a 13-second period. The combined energy is moderate (581). The wind is cross-off from the SSE, so the surface will be clean, but the overall conditions are only described as marginal. It’s a looker, not a goer.

The rest of that week and into the first weekend of August is quiet. Friday the 31st sees the swell drop to 3ft. By Saturday and Sunday we get a bit more size, up to 5ft, but the period falls off a cliff to just 7-8 seconds. The combined energy stays weak to moderate. That’s short-period, messy stuff. Not worth your time.

There’s a real dead patch here. From August 1st right through to the 5th, the outlook is consistently poor or marginal. The swell direction shifts to south-southeast, and the size bounces from 2ft to 5ft, but the period is mostly under 10 seconds. A proper lull.

Things start to stir on Wednesday, August 5th. We see a 3ft swell from the SW, but the period stretches to 14 seconds. The combined energy is back in the moderate zone (536). Still called marginal, but you can sense a shift.

The standout window begins on Thursday, August 6th. Swell holds around 3ft to 3ft, but the period hits 18 seconds from the SSW – that’s long-period groundswell. Combined energy jumps to (862). This is reef and point-break territory.

Now, circle this date: Friday morning, August 7th at Tongo Reef. The forecast is for clear skies, the swell is a clean 4ft from the SSW with a 15-second period, and the combined energy is a strong (810). The wind is a light, gentle breeze from the SSE – cross-off, glassy, perfect. This is the only time slot that gets an “expect very good surf conditions” call. For an advanced reef break, this is your best shot. It’s fairly consistent, but you might have company, so get there early.

After that, from August 8th to the 14th, the outlook settles into a long run of marginal but rideable waves. Swell sizes vary from 2ft to 5ft, with periods mostly between 12 and 18 seconds. The combined energy stays moderate (550 to 744). The winds stay cross-off, but you won’t find another peak like the 7th. The very last record on Friday, August 14th is one to note: 5ft from the S with a 13-second period and a big combined energy of (858). Still flagged as marginal, but it has potential.

If you're a strong surfer, the morning of August 7th is the one to aim for. It’s a long way out, so it’s promising but not nailed on. For the rest, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

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