Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, switching to feet and miles.

Let’s be real – Tunnels is the only break in the game for this whole 16-day stretch, and it’s looking like a grind. The water is 79°, which is about normal for the year. Conditions are consistently "marginal," so keep your expectations in check.

We start Wednesday, 8th July. Morning has 5ft of east swell at 8 seconds, with a moderate east breeze blowing cross-offshore. It’s clean, but the energy is moderate (442). The afternoon bumps up to 6ft from the ENE, same period. Thursday, 9th July, has 7ft in the morning from the ENE, 8 seconds, with energy a bit stronger (495). That’s pushing into the "too big for beginners" zone. Friday, 10th July, drops to 5ft and 5ft, with a shorter period of 7 seconds – weaker waves. Energy is moderate (309-316).

The weekend – Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July – holds 6ft from the ENE, period back to 8 seconds. Energy is moderate (390-415). Still cross-off, still clean. It’s rideable, but nothing special. Monday 13th July morning has a cross-shore chop, so less appealing.

Now for the standout. From Tuesday 14th July afternoon through Thursday 16th July, the swell direction swings to the west, and the period jumps to a very long 15-17 seconds. Proper groundswell. Energy is strong (585-588). The catch? The height drops to just 2-3ft. So you’ve got a long-period, low-energy groundswell. The reef at Tunnels will handle it, but it’s small. Wind is cross-off, keeping it clean. This is the "promising but less certain" window.

The real spike is Saturday 18th July. Morning brings 7ft from the east, 8 seconds, energy of 623. The afternoon builds to 7ft from the east, 8 seconds, and energy is strong (700). This is the biggest swell of the whole period. For a reef, 7ft is solid and only for experienced surfers. The wind is cross-off, so it’s clean. This is the best session on offer.

After that, the 19th and 20th July drop back to 5-6ft, energy fading. Monday 20th July afternoon gets a "poor" note with cross-shore chop. Then from Tuesday 21st July, another long-period pulse (17-18 seconds) with small swell of 3-4ft. Energy is very strong (702-932), but the lines will be fat. The wind is cross-shore, creating a slight chop.

The final days, 22nd and 23rd July, are back to 3-4ft, shorter period, moderate energy, with cross-off wind keeping it tidy but small.

If you’re picking one standout, it’s Saturday 18th July afternoon. The biggest swell (7ft from the east), clean cross-off wind, and the reef can handle it. Advanced only. For the long-period groundswell lovers, the 14th-16th July window has the best shape, but only if you’re okay with small waves.

There’s no gap in surf, but the quality is a steady "meh." Don’t expect a classic.

Rusty.

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