Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, this is Rusty, and we’re talking Tunnels.

Let’s be real, this forecast isn't going to write any legends. The waves are small and the wind is a stubborn cross-offshore from the east-northeast. It’s a tricky one. Water temp is a pleasant 80°, right where it should be for the season.

The first real chance to paddle out is Thursday afternoon, July 16th. There’s a long-period groundswell from the SSW, with a 17-second period, pushing in at 2 ft. The energy is moderate (464). The wind is a light cross-off, so the surface will be clean, but the report calls it “marginal” – you’ll be scratching for the good ones. Expect long lulls between sets.

Friday morning, July 17th, is a bust. The wind is 15 mph, messing up the 2 ft swell. The energy is weaker (370). Poor conditions. The afternoon is a little better with the swell bumping to 3 ft and more energy (508), but the wind is 18 mph, making it a fight. It’s only “marginal.”

The weekend is a write-off. Saturday and Sunday, July 18th and 19th, the swell drops and the wind holds strong from the east at 15-18 mph. All zeros. Save your energy.

We get a glimmer on Monday, July 20th. The wind drops to 12 mph, and the swell fills back in at 3 ft from the south, with a 16-second period. Energy is moderate (495). Still a cross-off, but a lighter breeze, so the surface is cleaner. “Marginal” is the call, but it’s the best of a weak week. Tuesday, July 21st, is similar in the morning before the wind picks up again.

The end of the week is where it gets interesting. Wednesday, July 22nd, the swell is tiny at 2 ft, but the period is a massive 24 seconds. The energy is strong (690). That’s a lot of push for a knee-high wave. At Tunnels, a reef, this long-period groundswell might just wrap in and offer a clean, long wall. The 15 mph cross-off wind is still a pain, but the wave quality could be there for the patient.

Thursday, July 23rd, and Friday, July 24th, are more of the same: small 2-3 ft swells, long periods (18-21 seconds), and strong energy (593-729). The wind is relentless at 18 mph. The standout is late Friday, July 24th, when the energy hits 999 – that’s strong for such a small wave. If you can handle the wind, you’ll feel the power.

The following weekend, July 25th and 26th, continues the theme. The swell stays around 3-4 ft, with a long period, and the energy is very strong (916-925). The wind is fresh and cross-off, so this is expert territory. The setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

The last few days, July 27th to 29th, start to fade. The swell drops, the period shortens, and the energy falls off. The best of that final stretch is Wednesday, July 29th, when the wind finally eases. We get a 2 ft swell from the south, a 13-second period, and a light offshore breeze in the afternoon. The energy is weak (123), but it’s the cleanest the conditions will be in the whole forecast. It’s “surfable but very ordinary.”

So, the two real standouts? First, late Friday, July 24th, with that massive energy spike (999) and a 2 ft swell. It’s a long shot, but the raw power is there. Second, Wednesday, July 29th, for the chance to surf in light offshore winds, even if the waves are tiny. If you’re a beginner, stay away from the 25th and 26th when the swell is over 5 ft and the wind is howling – that’s only for experts.

Summing it up, most of the 16 days are a grind. The persistent cross-off wind is the main villain. Don’t expect a classic.

- Rusty

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