Shipwrecks Bay-Peaks Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about what’s shaping up. This is the only spot on the menu for the next 16 days, so we’re focusing all the attention on one place.

The overall pattern is a solid run of groundswell from the southwest, with a few standout windows that are going to be absolute magic for the experienced crew. The water temp is sitting at 61°, which is pretty much dead average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

We’ve got a big, raw pulse coming in on Thursday the 9th of July. It’s 18ft of SW swell with a 13-second period, but the wind is howling from the SSE at 35 km/h, making it a cross-offshore breeze. The wave energy is massive (19624), but it’s a raw, windy day. Not the pick, but the ocean is awake.

The real start of the good stuff kicks off Friday morning the 10th. The swell drops to a more manageable 10ft, but the period stretches to 18 seconds – that’s proper groundswell. The wind is a clean offshore from the S at 30 km/h. This is a day for the experts; 10ft on a reef with that much energy (8766) is no joke. The afternoon holds similar, just a touch less energy.

Saturday the 11th is where it starts to get really special. Morning sees 8ft of SW swell with a 16-second period, and the wind turns light offshore from the S at 15 km/h. This is a major positive – glassy, lined-up waves. The energy is still moderate (3924). The afternoon drops to 5ft but the period goes back to 18 seconds and the wind goes light offshore at 10 km/h. This looks like a dream session for the advanced crew.

Sunday the 12th morning is also a standout. The swell is 8ft from the SW, 16-second period, and the wind is a light cross-offshore from the ESE at 5 km/h. It’s clean (2804 energy). The afternoon is smaller but still clean with a light cross-shore.

After that, Monday the 13th and Tuesday the 14th see the swell drop off and the wind turns messy. Monday afternoon the wind goes onshore at 20 km/h and the waves get sloppy. Tuesday sees a smaller, short-period 5ft W swell (8 seconds) with light cross-offshore wind, but it’s weak energy (774). Not the best windows.

The next real highlight comes back on Thursday the 16th of July. The afternoon brings a 10ft SW swell with a 16-second period, and the wind swings to a gentle cross-offshore from the WSW at 15 km/h. Energy is strong (4029). This is another excellent session for the experienced.

Friday the 17th is solid again. Morning has 8ft of SW swell, 15-second period, with a moderate offshore from the SSW at 25 km/h. The energy is 2520. It’s a clean, powerful day. The afternoon holds similar.

The absolute gem of the whole forecast might be Saturday the 18th. The morning has 5ft of SW swell, 14-second period, and the wind is pure glass – SE at 5 km/h. The energy is 1005, but with that glassy surface and a long-period swell, this reef will be absolutely perfect. The afternoon is equally glassy at 5ft.

Sunday the 19th continues the silver spell. Morning is glassy with 5ft of SW swell and a 16-second period. The energy jumps to 2311. The afternoon is clean offshore. This is a long, beautiful run of quality surf.

The last weeks get a bit more wind-affected, but Monday the 20th afternoon has a glassy 5ft SW swell (15 seconds) that is worth a look. Tuesday the 21st morning is also very clean with a gentle cross-offshore and 6ft of SW swell.

After that, the wind picks up and the conditions get lumpy or onshore for the rest of the period, with the swell staying up but the quality dropping. The 24th of July is a write-off with strong onshore wind and weak, messy waves.

So, my pick of the whole 16 days? Saturday the 11th of July for the afternoon session, and Saturday the 18th of July for the morning glass. They’re both standouts, but the 18th with that glassy wind and 5ft of long-period SW groundswell on this reef is going to be something special. Crowds are rare here, so you might just have it to yourself.

Rusty.

Read more