Vetchs Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag coming up on the reef. The first week is looking pretty average, with only a few windows of clean surf, but the second week might just fire up for the advanced crew.

Right now, we’re in a dry spell. The first proper recommendation doesn’t pop up until Wednesday, 15 July morning at Vetchs Reef. It’s a reef break that rarely breaks, so when it does, it’s worth paying attention. The water’s sitting at a normal 72° for this time of year. That Wednesday morning sees a 6ft swell from the east, but the wind is a light cross-onshore (6 mph) so it’s still a bit lumpy – only a marginal call. The combined energy is moderate at 630.

But Wednesday afternoon is where it gets interesting. The wind swings to a glassy SSE breeze at just 3 mph, and the swell is a clean 6ft from the east with a decent 10-second period. This is a proper groundswell, with moderate energy (580), and that offshore-glass combo will make for some tidy, shaped-up waves. This could be the standout of the first week for anyone who can handle it.

Thursday, 16 July morning keeps the glassy theme going with a 5ft east swell (period 10 seconds, energy 449). Another good session, though the swell’s a touch smaller. Watch the tide – it’s a reef, so it can get fickle. After that, conditions get messy again through Friday and Saturday with cross-onshore winds and choppy seas, and the swell drops right off by Sunday.

After a few days of poor surf, Sunday, 19 July afternoon offers another glassy moment: 4ft from the east-northeast, 7-second period, and glassy wind (3 mph). It’s cleaner, but short-period swell means less push – still a fun little window with energy at 237.

Now, hold on for the second week. Monday, 28 July morning – that’s the real standout. Vetchs Reef gets a 6ft east-northeast swell with a light cross-offshore wind from the SSW (6 mph). That’s clean, period is 8 seconds with strong energy (485), and the conditions are “clean” – a solid call. It’ll be a big, punchy reef wave, likely too much for beginners. Tuesday, 28 July afternoon pushes it even bigger: 8ft from the east-northeast, 8-second period, and light cross-shore wind (6 mph). Energy hits 782 – strong. This is expert territory, and with consistent light winds, the sets will line up nicely on the reef. But the reef rarely breaks, so be ready for it.

Overall, the best bets are Wednesday afternoon (15 July) for the glassy east swell, and Tuesday (28 July) for the bigger, cleaner groundswell action. Crowds are possible – the reef can get a few at the right time. The long gap between good days is normal for this spot.

Rusty.

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