Junkyards Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer for the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, it’s a pretty bleak stretch ahead. We’re looking at a solid 16-day window, but the first week and a half is pretty much a write-off for any decent surf. The first real swell of interest doesn’t show up until the 27th of July, so we’ve got a long gap of flat, weak, or just plain ugly conditions to sit through.

The only spot on the menu is Junkyards, a reef break that’s fairly consistent but needs the right direction. The optimum swell direction is from the SW, but what we’re getting for most of the period is either small, short-period slop or onshore junk. Until the 27th, the swell heights barely tickle 3 ft, with periods mostly under 8 seconds. The combined energy is weak, barely cracking 100 (110 is the best early on, but the quality is poor). The wind is mostly onshore or cross-onshore, keeping things choppy and messy. Not worth paddling out for.

It’s not until Monday the 27th of July morning that we see a pulse of proper energy. A 3 ft swell from the SE with a very long period of 14 seconds rolls in, and the combined energy jumps to 268 (moderate). The wind is a clean cross-offshore from the NNE at 15 mph, so the lineup should be clean. This is the standout. The long period means the reef break at Junkyards should start to shape up nicely, with proper lines and plenty of push. The 14-second period is a groundswell, so expect longer waits between sets but way more power when they come. This is for the experienced crew; the waves will have some punch.

After that, the window quickly closes. By the 28th, the swell drops right off, and we’re back to tiny, weak energy. Then the 29th and 30th of July bring a gale, with severe onshore winds from the WNW that are going to completely blow out any chance of a wave. The swell on the 30th hits 5.6 ft, but with a 6-second period and gale-force cross-onshore wind, that’s nothing but a washing machine. The water is sitting at 81.3°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you might want a thin spring suit if you’re holding out for that 27th.

So, to sum it up: the one and only shot you’ve got is Monday the 27th of July morning at Junkyards. It’s a clean, offshore morning with a long-period groundswell from the SE. If you can’t make that day, the rest of the forecast is a story of waiting for the next proper system.

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