Johanna Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, checking in on the swell window down at Johanna.

We’ve got a solid run of surf coming through, but it’s a mixed bag of clean gems and some real gnarly, blown-out days. The first standout is right at the start of the period, so no waiting around.

Thursday 16 July kicks off with a big 13ft SW groundswell (15 seconds period) rolling in, but it’s a write-off with cross-onshore winds making it choppy and ugly. The wave energy is strong (6743), but it’s a mess. Don’t bother.

Friday 17 July is where it gets interesting. The swell drops a touch to 12ft, still from the SW, but with a super long 16-second period – that’s proper groundswell energy. The morning is the pick: clear skies, a light NNW offshore breeze, and the data says “clean” conditions. The energy is still strong (5823), but for an exposed spot like Johanna, those long-period SW lines will bend in with real shape. This is for experienced surfers only – 12ft is solid, and the sets will be fat and powerful. It’s a standout for the week.

Saturday 18 July morning keeps the good vibes going with a 8ft WSW swell, 14-second period, and again that light NNW offshore wind. The energy is moderate (2767) but the waves will be clean and well-shaped. The afternoon fades a bit with a cross-on breeze.

Sunday 19 July is a beauty. The swell drops to 6ft, but the morning is clean with a light offshore. The real magic is the Sunday afternoon: glassy conditions, 5ft WSW swell, 12-second period. The energy is moderate (1027), but on a glassy day, Johanna will be smooth and playful. This is a perfect window for a longer board and some fun, cruisey waves.

Monday 20 July through Tuesday 21 July sees a re-building swell, 6ft to 8ft, with clean conditions in the mornings thanks to a NNW offshore. The energy stays moderate (around 1600-2100). The waves are manageable for experienced intermediates, but nothing that’ll blow your mind.

Wednesday 22 July is another glassy gem. The morning is clean with a light offshore, and the Wednesday afternoon goes glassy again with a 4ft W swell. Low energy (879), but perfect for a quiet session on a small board.

Thursday 23 July morning is clean with a 6ft SW swell, but the energy is moderate (1291). The afternoon gets cross-shore and bumpy.

Now, here’s the warning: Friday 24 July through Saturday 25 July is a full-on storm window. The swell jumps to 12ft, but it’s driven by strong cross-onshore winds (25-30 km/h from the SW), making it a total washing machine. The energy is huge (over 5000), but the surf quality is poor. This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing. Stay out of the water.

Sunday 26 July is still big (12-13ft) but the wind drops to a light cross-on, so it’s a bit more manageable but still messy and marginal.

Monday 27 July sees the swell hold at 12ft, but the mornings are clean with a NNW offshore. The energy is strong (4398). For experts only – the size is real, but the wind is right.

Then, hold onto your boards – Tuesday 28 July is the absolute standout of the entire outlook. The afternoon session is calling: 12ft WSW swell, 12-second period, and a solid moderate offshore wind from the N. The wave energy is massive (7454), and the data says “exceptional conditions for expert surfers.” This is a big, powerful, clean day at Johanna. If you’re a charger, this is your window. The morning is also excellent with a similar offshore wind and 12ft swell.

Wednesday 29 July is a ripper too. The morning is clean with a light NNE offshore, 12ft swell, but the Wednesday afternoon is glassy with a 8ft SW swell. The energy is moderate (3481), and glassy conditions on a dropping swell? That’s a dreamy session for anyone who can handle the size.

The last few days, Thursday 30 July and Friday 31 July, turn ugly again with strong cross-onshore winds and choppy conditions. The swell is still 8-10ft, but it’s not worth it.

The bottom line: The best on offer is Friday 17 July morning for a clean, powerful, long-period groundswell, and Tuesday 28 July afternoon for the biggest, cleanest, most powerful day of the entire 16 days – but it’s only for experts. For a fun, glassy session, Sunday 19 July afternoon and Wednesday 22 July afternoon are your tickets.

The water temp is about average for the time of year, no surprises there.

Rusty.

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