Toquay Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let's break this down. We've got one spot on offer for the next 16 days: Toquay Reef. It's a reef break, and I'll be honest, it's a mixed bag. The overall pattern is a whole lot of small to moderate SW swell, with a couple of big pulses that will need a very experienced eye. The water temp is sitting about average for the time of year, so grab a spring suit if you run cold.

First up, Monday morning July 27th. We've got a clean 3ft SW swell with a 9 mph NW offshore that leaves the surface glassy. It’s not big, but it looks alright. The combined wave energy is 241, which is pretty weak, but for a long period groundswell like that (11 seconds, rising to 12 seconds later), the shape should be clean even if the gaps between sets are a bit long. Crowds are possible here. It goes a bit scruffy that afternoon with a cross-offshore wind.

Monday afternoon the swell drops off with only 3ft from the SW and a 12-second period. The energy is low and the conditions are described as marginal.

Moving into Tuesday the 28th, we see the period jump to 16 seconds with stronger energy (519) as the morning starts with a clean 3ft SSW swell and a fresh 19 mph NW offshore. It is a bit windy, but it will be clean. The afternoon picks up a nice 4ft SSW swell at 15 seconds, but with 22 mph NW winds, it's going to be a battle. The energy is solid at 772.

The big news is Wednesday July 29th. The morning has a 10ft SW swell with a 16-second period. That’s huge. The energy hits 4288, which is strong. The wind is cross-offshore though, so it won't be perfect. Then Wednesday afternoon is a monster – 15ft SW swell with 15-second period, energy at 11512. That is very strong wave energy. The file literally says the swell is "predicted to be too big for this break." This is experts-only territory and only if you are absolutely on your game. This is not a day for a beginner.

Thursday the 30th backs down to a more manageable 5ft and 5ft SSW swell with 13-second periods, both with clean cross-offshores. The energy is moderate (837 and 715). It'll be okay, but nothing special.

Friday the 31st is a classic two-faced day. The morning is a fun-sized 3ft SSW swell at 12 seconds with light winds (9 mph) and clean conditions. Then the afternoon gets a 6 mph S cross-onshore that turns it choppy. Get out early.

Saturday August 1st dawns clear with a magical 2ft SW groundswell with an 18-second period. That is a very long period. The wind is a light 6 mph NE cross-offshore, so the surface will be clean. The energy is 409. It will be small, but it is as clean as it gets. The afternoon builds to a 4ft SW at 16 seconds with a cross-shore wind that will put small ripples on it.

Sunday the 2nd is consistent but average: 4ft SW swell at 16 seconds, clean cross-offshore all day with a moderate breeze.

Now, into the second week. Monday August 3rd kicks off with a clean 3ft SW swell, 15-second period, 566 energy, and a moderate NW offshore. The file calls it "very good surf conditions." That morning is your standout for the second week.

The rest of that week gets a bit messy. Tuesday the 4th is okay, but Wednesday the 5th and Thursday the 6th are a write-off with strong onshore winds and choppy, poor conditions.

Hold on for Friday August 7th. The morning is glassy – 3 mph NNE wind – over a 3ft SW swell with a 15-second period. The energy is 329. That is small, but glassy conditions are gold. It'll be peaky and clean.

Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th see the swell drop to 2ft and 2ft. The wind on Sunday is a crazy 25 mph N cross-offshore. That's just windswell trash.

We finish the forecast on Monday August 10th with a clean 3ft SW swell and a 15-second period, which is a decent little morning session. And finally, Tuesday August 11th shows another big pulse coming in: a 10ft SW at 13 seconds with 3499 energy. That's a strong, clean pulse, but watch the tide and be warned – that is a big reef break wave.

The Standout: If I had to pick, Wednesday July 29th afternoon is the most powerful and heaving session, but it is too big for all but the best. For a clean, fun, manageable session that won't kill you, Monday August 3rd morning is the one. Get there early to beat the crowds.

Stay safe out there.
Rusty

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