Golf Course Reef - surf spot statistics

Golf Course Reef in Australia is a spot heavily influenced by wind swell, with ground swells playing a minor role throughout the year. The best months for surfing are from April to July, when ground swell contribution marginally increases, averaging around 30%, while wind swell remains dominant at about 67%. During this period, mean swell size hovers around 1.4 to 1.5m, providing decent wave energy. Wind conditions also improve slightly in these months, with good wind days reaching up to 41% in May, June, and July, though bad winds still prevail more often than not. Outside this window, conditions are less favorable, particularly from November to February, when wind swell dominates even more (over 85%) and poor wind conditions occur 77–80% of the time. September and October offer a transitional phase with slightly better winds than the peak summer months but still rely heavily on wind swell. Overall, mid-autumn to mid-winter (April–July) presents the most balanced conditions, though surfers should be prepared for frequent onshore winds. The swell size remains consistent year-round, rarely dropping below 1.3m, making it a relatively reliable spot for intermediate surfers who can handle wind-affected waves. However, those seeking clean, ground-swell-powered waves may find the spot inconsistent outside the optimal months.

August at Golf Course Reef offers fairly consistent surf with an average swell height of 1.3m and a solid period of 9.2s, providing quality, well-shaped waves. The swell direction is predominantly from the south and southeast, with SSE swells delivering the most frequent and powerful waves, often in the 1-2.5m range. Wind conditions are favorable for surfing 36% of the time, typically light to moderate from the east to southeast, keeping the sea surface clean. However, stronger westerlies can occasionally create chop, especially when winds exceed 20kph. The best sessions will come with SSE swells and lighter easterly winds, offering clean, punchy waves—ideal for experienced surfers. While not the biggest month, August provides plenty of rideable days with good energy, particularly when the swell direction aligns with the break’s orientation.