Johanna Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag on the cards for Johanna over the next couple of weeks. There’s some solid swell coming, but the wind is going to be our biggest challenge. The water temperature is sitting at 59°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year.

The first few days are a bit of a write-off, honestly. Wednesday morning (15 July) is already on us with a messy 13ft SW swell, but the wind is a strong cross-onshore, making it choppy and hard work. The wave energy is massive (6307), but it’s not doing us any favours. Wednesday afternoon and Thursday (16 July) stay in that same rough territory – solid swell, but the wind keeps it lumpy. Thursday afternoon does see the wind drop to a light cross-shore breeze, but it’s still a bit of a chore.

Now, Friday (17 July) morning is where things start to look interesting. The swell drops slightly to 12ft from the SW, but the wind swings to a light cross-offshore from the NNW, giving us clean conditions. The period is a very long 16 seconds, which means true groundswell energy. This is a point-and-beach setup, so that long period might make it a bit straight at the beach, but the point should handle it beautifully. The wave energy is still strong (5750). This is the standout for the first week – it’s for the experienced crew only, as it’s well over 8ft.

Saturday (18 July) morning is another cracker. The swell drops to 8ft from the WSW, and the wind is light cross-offshore again. The period is still a solid 14 seconds. The energy is moderate (2728). Saturday afternoon cleans up even more with a glassy surface and 8ft swell – that’s the kind of session you wait for. Sunday (19 July) sees the swell drop to 5ft, but with offshore or cross-off winds and clean conditions, it’s a fun, smaller day for the intermediates.

We then hit a bit of a lull in quality from Monday (20 July) through to Wednesday (22 July). The swell hangs around 7ft to 8ft, but the wind is a persistent moderate cross-offshore, keeping it clean but not exciting. The wave energy is moderate (around 1946 to 2279). It’s surfable, but nothing to get emotional about.

Thursday (23 July) is a day to stay out of the water. The wind cranks up to a fresh cross-onshore, and the swell jumps to 15ft – it’s just a messy, lumpy, dangerous mess. The wave energy is massive (9763), but it’s all for the kites, not the paddle.

Now, look ahead to Friday (24 July) afternoon. This is the second true standout, and it’s a doozy. The swell is 15ft from the SW, period is a long 16 seconds, and the wind goes glassy. The wave energy is massive (10165). This is a world-class, expert-only session if you can handle it. The conditions are described as exceptional. There will be crowds, so be early.

Saturday (25 July) still has a solid 12ft SW swell, but the wind picks up to a moderate cross-offshore, keeping it clean but not as perfect. The energy is still strong (5684). The surf then slowly drops through the last week (26-30 July), with the wind staying mostly cross-offshore or even offshore on Thursday (30 July) morning, giving us a clean 7ft SW swell with moderate energy (2730). It’s a decent end to the run, but nothing compares to that Friday the 24th.

Rusty.

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