Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let's have a look at what's on the cards over the next couple of weeks. Honestly, it’s a bit of a flat spell we’re looking at for the most part. The energy is all from the south-west, but it’s running into a persistent cross-offshore breeze that’s just not letting things come together. We’re talking about Tunnels here, and for the first week and a half, it's a tough watch. The water temperature is sitting at a warm 81°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so at least it’s pleasant to be in the water even if you’re just floating around.

The first real chance of something rideable doesn’t pop up until that first day of September. Tuesday the 1st of September morning has a pulse of south swell at 3 ft with a long period of 18 seconds and a combined energy of 570 (moderate). That long period means it’s a proper groundswell with some grunt, but for a spot like Tunnels – a reef – that kind of period can make it a bit straight and fast. Still, it’s the best we’ve seen. The wind is a stiff cross-off from the ENE at 15 mph, which will keep it clean enough on the face. It’s a marginal call, but it’s where you’ll want to be.

Then on Wednesday the 2nd of September morning, we see a similar setup: 3 ft of south swell at 16 seconds, with energy at 496 (moderate). The wind drops right back to a gentler 9 mph cross-off, making the surface glassier. That’s probably the standout of the whole forecast period – light wind, clean lines, and a bit of push from the south. It’s not big, but for Tunnels, that’s a good morning out.

After that, the rest of the second week drifts back into that same marginal-to-poor pattern. There’s a bit of a bump around the 6th and 7th of September with the swell nudging up to 3-4 ft and energy climbing into the 600s and 670s (moderate), but the wind is back up to 19-22 mph from the ENE, and the comments are all “poor” or “marginal.” It’s just going to be choppy and hard work. No real standouts in that second week to get excited about.

So, the call is clear: if you’ve got a window, make it the morning of Wednesday the 2nd of September. The 3 ft of south swell with lighter winds will be the cleanest and most fun we’re likely to see. Tuesday the 1st morning is your back-up. The rest? Honestly, it’s mostly a waiting game.

Rusty.

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