Icelands Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. We’ve got a solid run of surf coming up at Icelands, a reef break that’s exposed to the SSW swell, and it’s picking up a nice, long-period groundswell from the get-go. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so nothing crazy there.

The first real action kicks off Sunday morning, July 12th, with a clean 3 ft SSW swell, period of 12 seconds, and light cross-offshore winds. The wave energy is moderate (400). Not a standout, but a nice, easy paddle to start. The afternoon drops a little to 3 ft but stays clean.

Monday, July 13th, picks up a bit. Morning brings 4 ft SSW swell, still 12 seconds, and the energy is climbing (574). The afternoon nudges up to 4 ft, period 11 seconds, and energy at 777. Conditions stay clean with a gentle cross-off breeze. It’s good, but nothing to write home about yet.

Now, Tuesday, July 14th, is where things get interesting. Morning sees 4 ft SSW swell, but the period jumps to 18 seconds – that’s a proper groundswell. The energy is strong (1235). This is a standout for experienced surfers, as the long period will make the waves shape up beautifully on the reef, but the sets will be spaced out. Light cross-offshore wind keeps it glassy. The afternoon is much the same, with 4 ft, 17 seconds, and energy at 1257. This is the best of the first week.

Wednesday, July 15th, holds onto that quality. Morning is 4 ft, 15 seconds, clean, with energy at 885. The afternoon gets a bit marginal with a cross-shore wind, but the swell is 5 ft, 15 seconds, still solid.

Thursday through Saturday, July 16th to 18th, offer a consistent run of 4 ft to 4 ft SSW/SW swell, periods around 14-16 seconds, and mostly clean conditions. Energy levels are moderate to strong. It’s reliable, but the Tuesday standouts are the real peak.

Then, Sunday, July 19th, is a treat. The morning is glassy, with a 2 ft, 21-second swell – that’s a very long period groundswell, and although it’s small, the energy is still moderate (780). The afternoon is where it’s at: glassy calm, 4 ft, 20 seconds, and the energy jumps to 1257. That’s an excellent session for those who can handle the long waits between sets. The wave shape will be incredible on the reef.

Monday, July 20th, brings the biggest swell of the whole run. Morning sees 7 ft SSW swell, 17 seconds, with energy at 2366 – that’s very strong. This is for experts only, as it’s well over 8 ft. The afternoon is still big at 6 ft, 16 seconds, energy at 1688. Both sessions are clean with a gentle cross-off breeze. This is a true standout for the experienced crew.

The middle of the second week, July 21st to 23rd, settles back to a solid 4 ft to 5 ft SSW/S swell, periods 12-15 seconds, with clean conditions and moderate to strong energy. Good, reliable surf.

Thursday, July 24th, picks up again. The afternoon has 5 ft S swell, 10 seconds, energy at 1139 – clean and strong. This is a good option.

Friday, July 25th, is a standout. Morning brings 4 ft SSW swell, 16 seconds, and the energy is very strong (2088). Clean, light breeze. The afternoon gets a bit cross-shore, but the swell is still 5 ft, 16 seconds.

Saturday, July 26th, is another big day. Morning is 5 ft, 15 seconds, clean, energy at 1349. The afternoon is glassy, with 7 ft S swell, 15 seconds, energy at 1687 – that’s another expert-only session, but the conditions will be pristine.

The final day, Monday, July 27th, offers 5 ft S swell, 11 seconds, clean, with energy at 967. A solid way to wrap up.

The one true standout in this whole run is Tuesday, July 14th, with that long-period, clean, moderate swell. The second big standout is Monday, July 20th, for the biggest, cleanest swell of the bunch – but it’s only for the experts. Crowds are likely at Icelands (often), so get there early for the best peaks.

– Rusty

Read more