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Surf forecast for Third Reef

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⚡️kJ
Timezone:
America/Los_Angeles
Forecast updated:
03/10, 05:00 am
Wind: SN UNITY Atmos
(20261003 12z)
Waves: SN UNITY WAVE
(20261003 12z)

Weather

Sunday 04/10

Water temperature
56°F
Daily average
Air temperatureBeta
Over water
63–69°F
On shore
65–88°F
Moon phase
Waning crescent
36% illuminated
Closest moon phase
Last quarter
Sat 03/10 06:27 am
Tide range
-0.1ft - 5.6ft
Low 12:23 am · High 06:00 pm
Next spring tide
Sun 11/10
6.8ft range
Next neap tide
Wed 07/10
5.4ft range

Timeline

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Third Reef Surf Forecast Guide

Overview

Third Reef is a reef peak sitting directly between Deadmans and No Pass, breaking relatively far out from the beach. It throws fast, lined-up lefts alongside long, easy rights over an uneven reef, so there's a wave here for surfers who want to open up on the forehand or the backhand.

When It Works

The peak comes to life on a clean, medium-sized swell. It draws swell from south through north (S-N), with a west (W) swell the best match for lining up those walls. Expect it to be usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft. Consistency is moderate, so it won't be on every day, but the windows are worth watching for.

Wind and Tide

Look for an east (E) offshore wind to clean up the faces. The reef wants a low tide, though a rising tide is generally the better call.

Local Tips

This is an expert-level wave, best left to surfers who are comfortable on a shallow, uneven reef. The lineup tends to stay fairly quiet, in part because the thought of sharks keeps many surfers away.

Access

Getting there is a five-minute walk south from Deadmans.

Surf spots near Third Reef

Needle Rock
California, United States
Unknown break
Sun 4
Mon 5
Tue 6
Wed 7
Thu 8
No Pass
California, United States
Reef break
Sun 4
Mon 5
Tue 6
Wed 7
Thu 8
Third Reef
California, United States
Reef break
Sun 4
Mon 5
Tue 6
Wed 7
Thu 8
Deadmans (Humbolt County)
California, United States
Reef break
Sun 4
Mon 5
Tue 6
Wed 7
Thu 8
Shelter Cove
California, United States
Reef break
Sun 4
Mon 5
Tue 6
Wed 7
Thu 8

Frequently asked questions

What are good surfing conditions for Third Reef?

Third Reef is usually best with swell from south to north (S-N), ideally west (W) around 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, east (E) offshore wind, and low tide. Low tide is the preferred tide.

Where is the surf spot Third Reef?

Third Reef is a surf spot in Shelter Cove, California, United States.

What is the surf break like at Third Reef?

Third Reef is a left-and-right reef break over uneven reef. Expect a fairly quiet crowd.

What surfing skill level is Third Reef suitable for?

Third Reef can suit expert surfers.

Is Third Reef beginner friendly for surfing?

Third Reef is better suited to expert surfers.

How consistent is the surf at Third Reef?

Third Reef has moderate surf consistency for California, United States.

What surf spots are near Third Reef?

Other nearby surf spots are No Pass, Deadmans (Humbolt County), Shelter Cove, and Needle Rock.

What swell direction works for surfing at Third Reef?

Third Reef can work with swell from south to north (S-N); west (W) is usually best.

What swell size works for surfing at Third Reef?

Third Reef usually works with swell around 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft.

What wind direction is best for surfing at Third Reef?

East (E) offshore wind is usually best at Third Reef.

What wind direction is offshore for surfing at Third Reef?

East (E) is offshore at Third Reef.

What tide works best for surfing at Third Reef?

Third Reef works best around low tide. Low tide is preferred. A rising tide is usually better here.

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