Blacks Reef
Excellent reef peak at Blacks, on the right as you drive toward Mahia township: the rights run hollower and longer, the lefts turn up in more SE-E swell, and there is a fun barrel section. Super consistent and sheltered from the wind, so it is busy. It works best on a S swell with N winds around high tide. Watch for: reef; crowds.
Blacks Reef surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's ConditionsToday's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to GIS, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Pacific is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Pacific — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Blacks Reef trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (185°)
- Direction range
- 145° - 230°
- Size range
- 1m - 4.1m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m - 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 310° - 50°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
8/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Blacks Reef?
The Blacks Reef profile favors high tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Blacks Reef?
The Blacks Reef profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 310° to 50°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Blacks Reef?
The Blacks Reef scoring profile favors swell from S (145° to 230°), a swell-height range of 1m to 4.1m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Blacks Reef?
The main season at Blacks Reef is Mar-Oct.
How do I get to Blacks Reef?
The spot profile lists GIS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 110 minutes.
What kind of wave is Blacks Reef?
Blacks Reef is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Rolling Stones
🥝 Right-hand point • S swell magnet • Mahia Peninsula
Point Annihilation
🥝 Right-hand point • S swell magnet • Mahia Peninsula
Opoutama
🏖️ Mahia mellow • Uncrowded learning • Family-friendly waves
Mahia Reef
🥝 Left-hand point • SSW swell magnet • Mahia Peninsula
Mahunga Point
🥝 Left-hand reef • NE swell magnet • Mahia Peninsula
Last Chance
🥝 Left-hand reef • ENE swell magnet • Mahia Peninsula