Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, here’s the deal. The surf forecast for this area is a slow mover. We’ve got a long stretch of small, weak, and mostly average conditions ahead, but there’s a little something worth waiting for near the very end.

The first week and a half is quiet. From Monday, August 24th, all the way through to the start of September, the waves are tiny, mostly around 2 ft to 3 ft, and the wind is a steady cross-off from the ENE at 15 to 22 mph. The swell energy is low to moderate, with readings like 234 and 408, so nothing to get excited about. The period is all over the place, from 13 to 18 seconds, but the size just isn’t there to make it count. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises.

Things start to look a little more interesting around Thursday, September 3rd, but we’re still in the marginal zone. The swell picks up a fraction to 3 ft from the SSW, with periods around 16 seconds, and the energy edges up to 564. Still, the wind stays fresh and cross-off, so it’s not a standout.

The real bright spot, and the only one I’d get hyped about, is from Monday, September 7th. The wind drops right back to a light breeze from the ENE at only 6 mph, and the swell is 2 ft to 2 ft from the SSW, with periods of 14 to 15 seconds. The energy is moderate, around 294 to 325, and the conditions are looking clean. That’s the best window in the whole 16-day run. It’s still small, but for a break like Tunnels, that light wind will make it glassy and fun. Remember, Tunnels can get crowded – it’s often busy – so get there early if you can.

The direction is from the SSW, which is a good match for the optimum SW swell direction for Tunnels, so the waves will wrap in nice. The period is long enough to have some punch, but not so long that it’ll race past at a beach break. For a reef setup like this, that’s just right.

Everything else before that Monday is a write-off. There’s a solid 13-day stretch of poor to marginal surf, so don’t bother. The last couple of days of the forecast, Tuesday, September 8th, look similar to the Monday – light wind and clean, but still small. No fireworks, but a solid choice for a peaceful session.

So, to sum it up: wait for September 7th. That’s your best bet. Light winds, clean lines, and a consistent little swell. It’s not a big day, but it’ll be a good one.

Rusty.

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