North wall Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about Northwall. We’ve got a solid run of big swell coming through, but it’s gonna take a bit of patience before things clean up for a proper paddle.

Right off the bat, the first few days are pumping with serious size but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On Monday the 6th and Tuesday the 7th of July, we’re looking at 12 ft of SSE groundswell with an 11-second period – that’s a lot of water moving, with combined wave energy readings of 2089, 2562, and 3014. The wind is a cross-off from the south, around 22-22 mph. While the forecast says wind and tide are favourable, for most surfers, 12 ft is going to be too big. Strong south-easterly winds keep the surface clean, but this is expert territory only. Beginners should sit this one out.

Wednesday the 8th stays big at 10-12 ft, same long-period SSE groundswell, combined energy still well over 2500. Cross-off winds moderate slightly to 16 mph. Still clean, still very powerful.

Thursday the 9th sees a drop to 8 ft of SSE swell, period 11 seconds, combined energy around 1300. Morning has a cross-off breeze, but the surf quality is considered marginal and the tide might be a factor. Afternoon goes cross-shore and choppy, so not the pick.

Friday the 10th is where things start to get interesting. Morning is still marginal with 7 ft SSE swell and moderate cross-off winds. But Friday afternoon – that’s when the forecast says “expect very good surf conditions” with the same 7 ft SSE swell, period 10 seconds, combined energy 870, and a gentle 9 mph cross-off breeze. Clean faces, energy still solid. This is a strong contender for the best session in the first week.

Saturday the 11th morning offers a smaller 5 ft SSE groundswell with 10-second period, light offshore wind from the west at 6 mph. Clean and much more manageable – good for intermediate surfers. Combined energy at 556. But the afternoon turns onshore and choppy, so get in early.

After that, the swell really backs off. From Sunday the 12th through to Thursday the 16th, we’re looking at small surf between 1 ft and 4 ft, mostly short-period slop with very low combined energy (40 to 368). Winds are cross-off or light, but there’s just not enough push. A few clean, weak waves on Sunday afternoon, but nothing worth getting excited about.

Then, on Friday the 17th of July, we get a sudden jump – 8 ft of SSE wind swell with a short 7-second period, combined energy 541. But the wind is cross-shore and choppy, and it’s only rated as poor. That short period means it’ll be messy and lumpy. Not recommended.

Saturday the 18th stays in the 6-6 ft range with 11-second SSE groundswell, but still cross-shore winds making it choppy and marginal.

Now, here’s the standout in the second week – Sunday the 19th of July, morning session. We’ve got 6 ft of SSE groundswell with a very long 13-second period, combined energy 898, and light offshore winds from the south at just 6 mph. The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” That long period means real groundswell energy, clean lines, and well-spaced sets. It’ll be cleaner and more fun than most of the week before. The afternoon goes a bit glassy but with a slight cross-on, so the morning is the go.

Monday the 20th drops back to small 3 ft, onshore and choppy. Not worth it.

But hold onto your leash – Tuesday the 21st of July afternoon is a ripper. 8 ft of S swell, 10-second period, combined energy of 1391, and light offshore winds from the northwest. The forecast says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That is the top pick of the entire 16-day window. 8 ft is big and powerful, but with offshore winds and a clean face, it’ll be a proper session for the crew who can handle it. Beginners beware – that’s expert-only territory.

Oh, and water temp is sitting at 71°, which is normal for this time of year – no surprises there.

Bottom line: The first week has plenty of size but the best quality is Friday afternoon the 10th with 7 ft clean groundswell. The second week’s standouts are Sunday morning the 19th for a long-period clean groundswell, and Tuesday afternoon the 21st for the biggest, cleanest, most powerful swell of the run.

Rusty.

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