Bay Head Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for the next couple of weeks, but I’ll be straight with you right off the bat – for most of this forecast, it’s a tough watch. We’ve got a real dry spell coming, but there might just be a flicker of hope if you’re patient.

First up, the long story short: the surf is poor to nonexistent for a solid week and a half. We’re looking at a gap from now through about the 13th of July with nothing worth paddling out for. The water temp is running a touch warmer than normal at around 72°F, so at least you won’t freeze waiting for something to show up.

Bay Head is the only game in town here, so let’s focus on that. For the first week, it’s a sad tale. Monday the 6th has a little 3ft swell from the E, but it’s short-period windswell at 5 seconds, blown out by easterly winds, and the combined energy is a weak 64. Tuesday through Sunday is more of the same – messy, choppy, cross-onshore winds, and tiny swell. The only bright spot is a couple of afternoons with clean conditions, but the swell is just too small to care about.

Now, after that lull, things get a bit more interesting. The real standout comes up on Monday the 13th of July. We see a jump in swell to 5ft from the E, and though the winds are still cross-onshore, it’s a gentle breeze, so the surface isn’t completely trashed. The combined energy climbs to 191 and then 194, which is finally some proper push. It’s still a bit short-period at 6 seconds, but it’s the first legitimate bump in size we’ve seen. Expect some fun, punchy waves, but with the E direction, it’ll be a bit raw. The tide will be your friend here.

The next day, Tuesday the 14th of July, is actually the best looking window of the whole run. The morning is a genuine treat. We’ve got a clean 5ft swell from the ESE, with a period stretching out to 8 seconds, and light SSW winds that are cross-offshore. The combined energy hits a solid 278 – that’s quality, moderate energy. This is the one session to circle on the calendar. The waves will have shape and power, and the winds will keep them clean. Afternoon turns onshore and chop ruins it, so get out early.

Beyond that, the second week drops off again. Some clean mornings with offshore winds, but the swell drops to under 3ft and the energy fizzles out completely. There’s a tease on Monday the 20th of July with a 6ft S swell and a huge energy reading of 462, but it’s a short-period 7 seconds with cross-shore winds. The morning might offer a few bigger, lumpy sets for experienced surfers who don’t mind the mess, but it’s not a standout by any stretch.

So, to bottom line it: the first week and a half is a write-off. Hang loose until Tuesday morning the 14th of July. That’s your best bet for clean, fun surf. Before that, you’re better off waiting for the forecast to change.

Rusty.

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