Whites Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s get into it. We’re looking at Whites Reef for the next two-plus weeks. It’s a reef break exposed to the west swell, and it’s a pretty consistent spot in the lineup.

The water’s sitting at about 58°, which is a touch warmer than average for this time of year – that anomaly of 2° is not huge, but it’s a nice little bonus if you’re used to the usual chill.

Honestly, the first few days are flat-out ordinary. Wednesday the 26th has a clean-looking 3ft SSW swell at 13 seconds, but that onshore wind just kills it. Thursday and Friday stay small and messy. Saturday and Sunday are more of the same – you see some waist-high swell rolling through, but the onshore breeze is keeping things bumpy and brown. Not worth getting the wetsuit tacky for.

Now, Monday the 31st of August is where it gets interesting. The morning is the standout for the whole first week. We get a 4ft SW groundswell with a solid 15-second period, and the wind is a light cross-offshore breeze from the north. That’s a recipe for clean, lined-up waves. The combined swell energy is 829 (moderate energy), so there’s enough oomph to push through. Expect some nice, orderly sets – that longer period will have you waiting a bit for the bomb, but the paddle out will be easy. This is the pick of the early stretch. Keep an eye on crowds, though – this spot can get busy.

Things go a bit sideways again on Tuesday the 1st of September with a fresh 35 km/h wind ruining any chance of decent surf.

Then, Wednesday the 2nd of September morning brings another good one. There’s an offshore breeze from the east, light, and the swell is a 4ft SW groundswell at 14 seconds – combined energy of 581 (moderate). It’s clean, the wind’s in your face, and the reef will be working. A solid session to aim for.

There’s a real gap after that. Thursday the 3rd through to the 6th of September is dominated by cross-onshore winds and building swell. By the 5th and 6th, the swell gets over 5ft, pushing into the 6ft to 7ft range – but the wind is still messing it up. If you’re an expert, the higher period on the 6th morning (14 seconds) might offer some raw power, but that onshore breeze is going to make it ugly.

Late in the window, Tuesday the 8th of September afternoon shows some promise. Swell is 5ft SW with a long 17-second period, combined energy of 1174 (strong). The wind is only a light onshore from the south, creating little wind ripples. That long period will suit Whites Reef really well – expect punchy, lined-up waves with long gaps. It’s the best bet in the second week, just a little less certain being that far out.

The very end of the outlook on the 10th of September gets big – 10ft on the morning – but with a moderate cross-onshore wind, that is expert-only territory and messy with it.

Bottom line: Aim for Monday the 31st morning and Wednesday the 2nd morning for the cleanest, most fun waves. Tuesday the 8th afternoon is a long-range shot for the gutsy punters.

Rusty

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