Tamarack Ave. Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright everyone, Rusty here, talking about the 16-day window for Tamarack Ave. It’s a slow start, but there’s some light at the end of the tunnel if you’re willing to wait.

The first few days, from Saturday the 18th through to about Thursday the 24th, are pretty flat and messy. We’re looking at small swell around 3 to 4 ft from the SW or SSW, with periods more like windswell, between 13 and 16 seconds. The wave energy is moderate, in the 400 to 700 range (combined energy), and the wind is onshore or cross-onshore, just chopping everything up. The surf is poor to marginal. The water temp is a balmy 72°, which is a massive 5° warmer than normal – very unusual. But with the crummy conditions, it’s nothing to get excited about. Not worth paddling out for me.

On Friday the 24th, we get a little flash. The swell bumps up to 4 ft from the S, but the morning is cross-onshore, so it’s still messy. Then on Saturday the 25th, the swell is 3 ft from the SW, but the period jumps to 21 seconds! That’s a proper long-period groundswell, and the energy hits 1055 (strong). The wind goes light and offshore in the morning, which is a huge plus. This is the first real standout. With that long period, the beach-and-jetty setup might be a bit straight, but the clean conditions and that deep-water energy could make for some very fun, shapely sets. Paddling out will be easier with the long gaps between sets.

The weekend of the 26th and 27th keeps the run alive. Sunday the 26th morning has 3 ft from the SW at 19 seconds, with light cross-onshore winds – still clean enough to be fun. But the real gem is Monday the 27th. We’ve got 4 ft from the SW at 18 seconds, with light offshore winds in the morning. The energy is pumping at 1104 (strong). This is the best of the whole run. The conditions are clean, and the swell has size and power. At 4 ft, it’s manageable for most, but it will feel bigger with that energy.

After that, the swell holds through the end of July and into the first of August. Tuesday the 28th has 4 ft from the SSW, still with light offshore winds and strong energy in the 1100-1150 range. Wednesday the 29th gets a bit messy with a moderate cross-onshore breeze, but the swell is still 4 ft. Thursday the 30th brings 4 ft from the S with light cross-onshore winds, and the energy is a massive 1243 (strong). By Friday the 31st, we’re seeing 6 ft from the S, which is getting into expert-only territory for a beach break, but with light winds, it could be a heavy, powerful day for the experienced crew.

From Saturday the 1st of August onwards, the swell starts to fade, dropping to 5 ft then 4 ft, and the period drops to 12-13 seconds, losing that groundswell quality. The energy drops into the 400-800 range, and by Sunday the 2nd, it’s back to poor surf.

So, the standout days are Monday the 27th and Friday the 31st. The 27th is the top pick for the best combo of clean, offshore wind and strong, long-period swell. The 31st is for experts only with that 6 ft size, but it could be a special session if you’re up for it. The rest of the time is a mix of marginal and poor. Don't waste your time on the first week.

Rusty, signing off.

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