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.

In May, Golf Course Reef offers decent surfing conditions with an average swell height of 1.4m and a solid 9.6s period, providing well-formed, rideable waves. The swell is predominantly from the SSE to SE directions, contributing to the highest frequency of waves in the 1-1.5m and 1.5-2m range, ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. Clean conditions are present 41% of the time, as onshore winds from the NE to SE prevail but occasionally shift to lighter offshore or cross-shore flows. Stronger winds are more common from the SSW to WSW, which can create choppy conditions. Overall, May delivers consistent mid-sized waves with occasional windows of good wind alignment, making it a reliable month for surfers who can time their sessions between wind shifts.