Empty Lots Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, and I’ve got the lowdown on the local stretch. Let’s get into it.

Well, to be honest, it’s a pretty grim outlook for the next stretch. We’re looking at a solid 16-day window, but the first two weeks are a write-off for good waves. The wind is locked in from the ENE, blowing a fresh to strong breeze, and it’s coming straight across the swell. That means the surf is going to be a lumpy, cross-chop mess.

Up at Empty Lots, which is an exposed reef, the water temp is sitting right on 80°F, which is about average for the time of year, no real surprises there. The first real glimmer of hope doesn’t show up until around the 21st of July. That’s when we finally see a drop in the wind to a moderate breeze, and our combined swell energy climbs into the strong range, hitting 1566 (moderate to strong wave energy). The swell is coming from the south at 4 ft with a very long period of 16 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. This kind of long-period energy is usually best on the reefs and points, not so much for a beach break, but it’s a start.

The 21st of July morning is still a bit messy with cross-shore winds, but the afternoon of the 21st is the best on offer. The wind shifts to a cross-offshore flow, so it’s actually clean. The swell drops a touch to 4 ft from the east, still with that juicy 16-second period, and the energy is still strong at 1508. It’s not big, but it’s the only window that looks clean and rideable.

After that, it’s back to the same story – cross-shore winds and poor-quality surf for the rest of the week. So, if you’re waiting for a proper session, pencil in the 21st of July afternoon. It’s not a world-beater, but with the wind finally playing nice, Empty Lots might just offer a few clean ones.

Rusty.

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