Steamer Lane-The Slot Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again, but this time in feet and Fahrenheit for you.

Let’s talk about Steamer Lane-The Slot. The next couple of weeks have a slow start. The water is running about 60°F, which is 4° warmer than normal for this time of year – that’s a real anomaly.

The first few days are small. Monday the 13th, we’ve got a 2ft swell from the SSW at 13 seconds, but the wind is on it, and the wave energy is just moderate (395). Not worth a paddle. The afternoon is the same story.

Tuesday the 14th afternoon is the first real chance. The wind goes completely glassy, and we get a 4ft NW swell at 8 seconds. The energy is moderate (339). It’s a short-period, clean wave – perfect for a fun session on the reef.

Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th see the swell building. Thursday morning we’re at 5ft from the WNW at 8 seconds, with the energy climbing to 570. The wind is cross-onshore, so it’s a little bumpy. Thursday afternoon the wind picks up and the surf gets messy – avoid it.

Now, the weekend of the 18th and 19th brings a long-period groundswell. Saturday morning the 18th, we’ve got 2ft from the SW at 17 seconds, with a strong energy reading (689). The reef at The Slot will handle that long period well. This spot is often crowded, so be ready for company.

The standout period is the 25th and 26th of July. Saturday the 25th afternoon, we’re looking at 5ft from the WNW at 10 seconds, with energy over 900 (914). Sunday the 26th morning pushes it to 6ft from the WNW at 10 seconds, with the energy hitting the strong range (1023). The wind is light and onshore, but the size is there. At 6ft, this is expert-only territory. This is the best window in the whole 16-day outlook, but it’s a week and a half away, so it’s a wait-and-see.

The final days, Monday the 27th and Tuesday the 28th, drop back to smaller, weaker swells. The long-period SW groundswell on the 27th (3ft at 18 seconds, energy 906) looks promising for the reef, but the wind gets choppy in the afternoon.

Bottom line: the first week is mostly small and marginal. The glassy Tuesday afternoon on the 14th is your best early bet for a clean session. The real highlight is the weekend of the 25th-26th with building swell and strong energy, but it’s for the experts. Stay sharp.

Rusty.

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