Tongo Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. The outlook for Tongo Reef is a slow start, but by the weekend we’ll be trading those small, low-energy waves for some powerful, long-period groundswell that’ll have the experienced crew frothing.

The first couple of days don’t have much going on. Wednesday and Thursday see swell around 2ft, with a cross-off wind keeping things tidy, but the energy is low, and the waves won’t be giving you much to work with. The water is running real warm, nearly 5° above normal for this time of year—something to note as you paddle out.

Things start to pick up on Friday the 24th of July. The morning’s still marginal, but by Friday afternoon, the swell bumps to 3ft from the SSW with a 20-second period—that’s a proper groundswell. The wind eases to a light breeze, making for clean conditions. Energy ticks up into the moderate zone. It’s a good sign.

Now, here’s the call. Saturday the 25th of July is the one to circle. Saturday morning brings 4ft from the SW with a 19-second period, the wind is a gentle cross-off breeze—clean and glassy. The energy is strong. Saturday afternoon is even better: 5ft from the SW, 18-second period, under a light breeze. This is the best wave window for advanced surfers. With that very long period, the lines will be fast and powerful, waiting to run down this reef.

Sunday the 26th keeps the quality high for experienced paddlers. Morning shows 4ft at 16 seconds with light wind, strong energy. The afternoon holds similar size. It’s a top weekend.

Monday the 27th of July brings the biggest swell—nearly 6ft from the SW at 18 seconds. This is for experts only. The energy is rock-solid. The wind stays cross-off, so the face will be clean, but it’s a serious commitment.

From Tuesday the 28th through the end of the month, the swell holds but the quality slips. The period drops, and the energy slowly fades. By Friday the 31st, we’re back to 3ft with a shorter period and only moderate energy.

The first days of August see the swell direction shift to the SSE with a short, weak 8 to 9-second period. The wave height pushes 5ft to 6ft, but it’s junky and more suited to wind sports than a clean ride. The final few days taper off to 4ft to 5ft from the SSE with weak energy and short period. Not much to recommend there.

The one and only standout is Saturday the 25th of July into Sunday the 26th. Friday afternoon is worth a look as a warm-up. Don’t expect much for the rest.

Rusty.

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