Junkyards Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what we’ve got on the cards.

First up, water temps at Junkyards are sittin’ around 83°, which is pretty much bang-on average for this time of year, so don’t expect any weird surprises when you hit the water.

The outlook starts off flat as a pancake with nothing worth paddling out for through the end of July. From Wednesday the 22nd right through to Friday the 24th, we’re lookin’ at tiny dribbles around 0.7ft to 1ft, and the energy is weak (17 and below). No point even lookin’ at it.

But then, Saturday the 25th morning is where we finally see a pulse. Swell bumps up to 4ft from the SSE, with a 9-second period, and combined energy jumps to a solid 252 (moderate). Winds are light and cross-off from the SE, keepin’ things clean. It’s only a 2 out of 10 for forecast quality, but compared to the days before, it’s the first real chance. Sunday the 26th keeps the run going with similar 3ft to 4ft SSE groundswell, still clean with light east breezes and energy hangin’ around 200. It’s not pumping, but it’s rideable and tidy.

Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th taper off a little – waves drop to 2ft to 3ft from the south, with energy back down under 200. Monday morning sees a light offshore, so it’ll be clean, but you’ll be workin’ for ’em. Tuesday afternoon gets a bit windier and that’s about it.

Wednesday the 29th through to Sunday the 2nd of August is a mixed bag. There’s a bit of size on Wednesday afternoon (3ft, 10-second period from the south, energy 215), but the winds swing cross-shore and then cross-on, so the surface gets messy. Thursday the 30th pushes up to 4ft from the SSW but it’s cross-on and a risk of storms, so not the cleanest. From then on it fades back to tiny stuff, with glassy conditions on the 2nd of August morning but only 2ft – not enough grunt.

Now, the standout window – this is worth circlin’ on your calendar. Monday the 3rd of August morning shows a 6ft SSE swell with a 9-second period, but the wind is cross-shore and the energy is a hefty 490 (strong). Monday afternoon cleans up nicely with a cross-off northerly breeze, 5ft waves, and still strong energy (454). That’s a good session.

Then Tuesday the 4th afternoon pushes 6ft from the SSE, but it’s a bit messy. But Wednesday the 5th? That’s the real gem. Morning brings a solid 7ft from the SSE, period 9 seconds, combined energy rockets to 1262 (very strong), and the wind is clean offshore from the ENE. That’s excellent surf for experienced surfers. Thursday the 6th keeps it pumpin’ with 7ft to 8ft S swell, 10-second period, and energy over 1000, all under light winds. That’s your best bet – deep clean groundswell, big enough to test your skills, and Junkyards is a reef setup that’ll handle that long-period energy well.

Crowds at Junkyards can show up sometimes, so it might be worth an early paddle if you want a quieter lineup. If you’re a beginner, stay well away when it’s over 5ft and definitely out of your depth over 8ft.

The second week is shorter and simpler: the 5th and 6th of August are the standouts, but it’s still a little way out so treat that with a pinch of salt. Before that, the last week of July is pretty quiet.

– Rusty

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