The Fort Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's break down the surf for the next couple of weeks at The Fort.

This is looking like a pretty frustrating stretch. Cross-shore winds are the story, and they don't let up for days. Water temp is 57°F, which is about 1°F warmer than average – nothing major, just your standard cool water for this time of year.

If you're looking for a silver lining, Tuesday the 7th of July morning is about as good as it gets. We're talking a 2ft swell from the SW with a 19-second period – that's proper groundswell, and combined energy of all swells directed here is 861. That's moderate energy, and that long period should give the reef something to work with. Wind is cross from the WNW at 12 mph, not perfect, but manageable. It's marginal, but it's the best chance for a wave.

After that, it's a rough go. Wednesday the 8th and Thursday the 9th are both a bust with strong winds and lumpy chop. Thursday morning has a 7ft WNW swell, but with a short 8-second period and cross winds, it's going to be a choppy mess. That size is solid for an intermediate, but the conditions won't do it justice.

Friday the 10th morning is similar – 7ft from the WNW, again short period and cross winds. There's power there, but it's messy.

From there, we're looking at a long stretch of poor conditions right through to the 16th of July. The Fort is consistent, but the wind is nearly always cross or cross-on, and the wave quality is just not there.

The next real opportunity shows up on Friday the 17th of July. The morning brings a 2ft swell from the west with a long 17-second period. Wind is light cross-onshore from the west at just 6 mph, making for some clean conditions. Combined energy is 558. It's not big, but the potential for a smooth, glassy session is there. That afternoon jumps to 6ft from the NW, but the wind picks up. So that Friday morning is your standout of the entire forecast.

Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th have small, long-period swells from the west and southwest, around 2ft, but with light on or cross-onshore winds. The energy is low, and crowds can happen from time to time at The Fort, but given the conditions, you might have it to yourself.

There's a hint of something on the 21st of July – a 4ft WNW swell with an 11-second period and light cross-onshore winds. Not a standout, but worth keeping an eye on.

Bottom line: there are no heaters in this 16-day window. The Fort needs a clean setup, and it's just not getting it from the wind. If you're determined, mark Tuesday the 7th morning and Friday the 17th morning. Everything else is a tough sell. The forecast can always change, but right now, it's a waiting game.

Rusty.

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