Tubes Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s on offer for Tubes. We’ve got a solid window of surf starting Monday, August 17th and running through the rest of the month. The water’s sitting at 53°F, which is a massive 13°F colder than usual for this time of year – that’s way out of the ordinary, so a thick wetsuit and possibly booties are a must.

Monday the 17th kicks it off with a clean 8ft swell from the SW, period at 14 seconds – proper groundswell with some punch. Wind’s light at 3 mph from the south, cross-off, keeping it clean. The combined wave energy is strong at 1886, so you’ll feel it. This reef and point setup handles that long-period swell well. It’s a consistent break, but crowds are possible. The standout for the first week is definitely Tuesday the 18th afternoon: 8ft of SW swell, 13-second period, and glassy offshore wind at 3 mph from the SW. Energy jumps to 2235, and it’s called excellent for experienced surfers – that’s the session to mark in your calendar.

Wednesday the 19th morning has 10ft from the SW, wind from the west at 3 mph cross-off – still clean, but over 8ft, so experts only. Thursday the 20th pumps a solid 13ft of SW swell, both morning and afternoon, with energy over 5300 – very strong. Winds are cross-off and clean. This is big, heavy reef surf; if you’re not a seasoned charger, give it a miss.

Friday the 21st morning has onshore wind from the ENE at 3 mph, making conditions unclear, but the afternoon cleans up with a light SSE cross-off and 8ft – a salvageable session. Saturday the 22nd brings moderate offshore wind from the WSW at 16 mph, with 6ft to 8ft of SW swell – clean but a bit textured.

Sunday the 23rd is another cracker: 10ft SW swell in the morning, light south cross-off, energy at 2302 – excellent for experienced surfers. This pattern holds into Monday and Tuesday of the following week, with 8ft to 10ft of clean SW groundswell.

From Wednesday the 26th, things drop off. Wednesday morning has onshore NE wind, only 5ft – poor. Thursday the 27th has offshore wind, but swell is down to 4ft, energy a weak 448. Friday the 28th brings a long-period 15-second groundswell at 8ft, but cross-shore SE wind adds a bit of ripple. With that long period, it might be a bit too straight for the reef. Saturday the 29th morning is my pick for the second week: 6ft of SSW swell, 14-second period, clean offshore wind at 9 mph, energy at 2508 – clean and punchy. Sunday the 30th fades to 5ft, still offshore.

Monday the 31st sees a big 13ft SW swell return, but with cross-shore wind and light rain, conditions are dicey. By Tuesday, September 1st, it’s onshore ENE wind at 12-16 mph, rain, and 10ft of messy chop – that’s kite-surfing weather.

Bottom line: the first few days from the 17th to the 25th of August are the real standout window, with Tuesday afternoon the 18th and Thursday the 20th being the absolute best. After that, it gets spotty, and by the end of the month, you’re better off waiting for the next run.

Rusty.

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