Tamarin Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve got my eyes on Tamarin Bay. It’s a reef set-up over here, exposed to the south-west swell, and when it turns on, it’s world-class – but we gotta earn it. This spot is inconsistent, so we need to be patient. The water is sitting at about 77°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year.

Alright, the next couple of days are a write-off for a decent paddle. Tuesday afternoon (14 July) is looking average at best – 6ft of SSW swell with a 13-second period, but it’s got that east cross-wind messing it up. The combined wave energy is weak (980). Nothing to get excited about. Wednesday and Thursday are just as grim, with smaller swell and choppy conditions.

We get a little glimmer of hope on Friday morning, 17 July. The swell drops right off (2ft) but it’s got a very long 17-second period out of the south. Problem is, it’s a north onshore wind, making it messy. The energy is moderate (455). Friday afternoon is a bit better, with 4ft of south swell at 16 seconds, but the wind is still not our friend.

Now, Saturday 18 July is where it starts to feel right. The morning brings glassy conditions – that's a dead-calm east breeze with 4ft of south swell at 14 seconds. Energy is moderate (482). It’s clean and there’s potential, but it’s not a standout. Saturday afternoon gets a light south offshore wind, turning the 3ft SSW swell into something a lot more rideable. The water feels clean.

The standout window kicks off on Monday 20 July. Monday morning is cooking – 5ft of south-west swell at 16 seconds, with a light offshore from the south. The energy is strong (925). Monday afternoon pushes it up a notch: 7ft of SSW swell, also at 15 seconds, with that clean cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy jumps to 1761 – strong. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. Tuesday 21 July looks just as good. The morning has 8ft of SSW swell at 13 seconds, with a clean offshore from the SSE. Energy is very strong (1891). Tuesday afternoon is 7ft with a south offshore – pure quality for those who know what they're doing.

If you’re after a real standout, look at Friday 24 July. The morning brings a powerful 7ft of SSW swell with a very long 18-second period, and a clean cross-offshore wind. The combined energy is massive (3203). This is the kind of groundswell that will wrap beautifully around the reef. It’s big, so it’s for experts only. The period is longer than 15 seconds, which means it might feel a bit roly-poly at a beach break, but at a point or reef like Tamarin, it’s magic. The afternoon holds 8ft at 17 seconds (4271 energy) – huge, but the tide might play some tricks, so check it carefully.

The days after that (25-29 July) stay solid for size and energy, but the wind picks up. Saturday the 25th has 8ft SSW at 16 seconds in the morning, but a fresh cross-off breeze from the SE (19 mph) will blow the tops off. Still clean, but it’s getting windy. Sunday the 26th is similar: 8ft at 15 seconds, but that wind is still pumping.

Bottom line: Tamarin Bay is inconsistent and takes a bit of waiting, but when it lines up, it’s worth it. The real standouts are Monday 20 July through to Friday 24 July. For me, Friday the 24th is the pick of the bunch – that very long period, huge energy, and clean conditions for the experts. It stays on the menu into the second week, but the wind makes it less certain. Get on it.

This is Rusty, signing off.

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