The Fort Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s be straight up – this 16-day run for The Fort is a tough one. We’ve got a classic reef break (The Fort) that likes a good SW swell, but for the next couple of weeks it’s mostly gonna be a story of wind-ruined sessions and marginal conditions. The water’s at 55°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real chance to even think about getting a wave comes on Thursday the 10th of July morning. A 7 ft WNW swell is pushing in, with moderate cross-shore wind. It’s big enough to be fun for experienced surfers (over 5 ft, so not for beginners) and the combined energy is a meaty 1190 (strong wave energy). But it’s a short-period windswell of 9 seconds, and the cross-shore wind will chop it up. It’s a marginal call, but if you’re keen, Friday 11th morning is smaller at 4 ft and still cross-shore – not exactly clean.

The standout session, and the only one I’d call decent, lands on Wednesday the 15th of July afternoon. We’ve got 6 ft of WNW swell with a period of just 7 seconds (short period, a bit jumbly) and the wind swings to a light 5 km/h offshore from the SW. Offshore wind on a reef break is a gift – it'll clean up the faces. Combined energy sits at 567 (moderate). This is the best on offer, but the short period means it might not have the grunt of a proper groundswell, and it’s over 5 ft, so only for intermediate to expert crew.

Then on Thursday the 16th of July morning, we get a moment of glassy perfection with a 2 ft W groundswell that’s got a 19-second period. That’s very long period, proper energy for a reef. The combined energy is 584, and with glassy conditions it could be a dreamy, clean little wave. But it’s barely knee-high – a log or a fish will be your best mate. Crowds are listed as “sometimes”, so expect a few heads out.

After that, it’s back to the grind. There are long gaps of nothing but poor-to-marginal surf and fresh cross-shore breezes, right through to the end of the window on July 20th. The second week is a write-off: small swell, lumpy cross-chop, and onshore winds. Honestly, for a reef that demands good conditions, this is a pretty blank run. If you’re desperate, the 15th afternoon is your best bet – otherwise, wait for a better swell and a clean wind.

Rusty.

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