Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk Tunnels. This spot picks up SW groundswell pretty well, but for most of this forecast it’s shaping up to be a tough go. Water temp is about 81°, right around normal for this time of year, so nothing wild there.

The first real chance to get wet comes on Tuesday, September 1st. It’s only marginal, really. The swell is tiny, about 3ft from the SSW, with a period of 18 seconds – that’s proper long-period groundswell. Combined energy reads 505, which is moderate, but that long swell is going to make it fat and straight at a beach break like Tunnels. The wind is a fresh cross-offshore from the ENE at about 19 mph, so the surface will be clean, but you’re going to be scratching hard for any kind of ride.

The next slightly better window lands on Tuesday, September 8th. The morning shows 3ft from the SSW, period 16 seconds, and the combined energy hits 567 – that’s the highest energy of the whole run, still in the moderate range. Wind is ENE again at 16 mph, cross-off, keeping it clean. You’re still looking at marginal, tide-dependent waves, but if you’ve got a log, there might be a few fun little lines.

Now, Saturday, September 12th brings a bright spot. Early morning, the wind goes glassy, completely calm. The swell is only 2ft from the west, period 14 seconds, combined energy a weak 203. But the glassy conditions make it the best of the bunch for just getting out and enjoying a clean, small session. The afternoon stays clean with a light cross-off from the NNE at 6 mph. This is the standout – not for power, but for a peaceful, clean paddle. If you’re a beginner, nothing in the whole 16 days gets above 4ft safe, so you’re fine on that front.

The crowds at Tunnels can be a factor, and with the surf being this inconsistent, it might feel crowded for what’s on offer. There’s a big gap of mostly poor days to start, so don’t rush. Best bet is that glassy Saturday morning on the 12th – small and tidy, a surfer’s quiet moment.

Rusty.

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