Pinetrees Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s coming. The early part of the outlook is pretty quiet, but there’s a big pulse of energy building for the end of the month that’s worth waiting for. The first week is a slow-burner, but the second week might just deliver some proper juice.

For the first several days, starting Thursday the 16th through to about the 24th of July, the surf is on the small side. We’re looking at swell heights mostly between 2 ft and 5 ft, coming mostly from the East or ENE. The wind hangs in from the East at 12 mph, keeping conditions cross-off and clean, but those waves just don’t have the power. Energy levels are moderate, with combined energy readings in the 100s and low 200s, so it’s weak to moderate at best. The ratings are low, and the guidance calls it marginal or poor. Nothing to get excited about here unless you’re just desperate for a paddle.

Now, the real story starts to shift around the 25th of July, Saturday. The swell starts to build, and we see a jump in energy. On the 25th morning, we’ve got 6 ft swell from the ENE, but the combined energy hits 569 - that’s moderate energy building. The afternoon sees a long-period groundswell kick in – 2 ft from the East with a 19-second period, and energy at 754. That’s a proper groundswell, but the size is still small. The real spike comes on the 26th of July, Sunday. The swell is 5 ft to 5 ft from the East, with a period of 17 seconds, and the energy jumps to 1639 and 1710 – that’s strong wave energy. The wind is cross-off and clean. This is the standout window. The combination of size, long period, and clean conditions means this is when Pinetrees will be at its best. The water temp is a balmy 79°, which is about average for this time of year, so no wetsuit needed.

The following Monday the 27th, the swell gets even bigger. By the afternoon, we’re looking at 10 ft from the ENE with a 15-second period, and the energy is a massive 3973. The wind is cross-shore, but it’s still a gentle breeze, so it’s manageable. However, at 10 ft, this is getting into expert territory. The guidance even says it might be too big for this break. So, if you’re a seasoned charger, that Monday afternoon could be a goer, but for most of us, it’s a look-and-decide situation. The swell peaks on the 28th of July, Tuesday, with 12 ft to 13 ft waves and energy over 5200 – that’s very strong, and definitely only for the brave. The direction shifts to ENE and the period drops a bit, but the size is intimidating.

After that, the swell drops off quickly. The 29th sees 7 ft from the NNE, but the period shortens, and by the 30th of July, we’re back to 4 ft to 5 ft from the East, with light winds and clean conditions. The 31st is a write-off with poor conditions.

If I had to pick the best on offer, it’s the 26th of July, Sunday, at Pinetrees. The swell is solid at 5 ft to 5 ft from the East, the period is a silky 17 seconds groundswell, the energy is strong, and the wind is cross-off and clean. It’s the most balanced day for a good surfer. The 27th Monday afternoon has the biggest size, but it’s pushing the limits of the break.

So, get your skates on for the 26th, and keep an eye on the 27th if you’ve got the skills. The first week is a washout, but the second week has a real nugget in it.

Rusty.

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