Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. We’re looking at Tunnels, a spot that faces a bit of a challenge for the next couple of weeks. The water temp is running about average for this time of year – nothing to write home about, just standard.

The first half of this forecast is a bit of a grind. For the next week or so, from Tuesday the 25th right through to the end of August, the swell is just too small and the wind is decent but the energy is weak. Expect a lot of poor surf conditions with combined wave energy often in the low hundreds (335, 322, 408, 290). The swell is coming from the SSW or S, but it’s mostly under 3 ft. The period is long, with some reading 16 to 18 seconds, which is classic groundswell, but there just isn't enough height to get excited about. The wind is a consistent cross-off from the ENE, which keeps the face clean, but the waves are too small to really do much with. This looks more like a spot for the kite crew than for paddle surfing.

The whole first week is a bit of a drought. Thursday morning on the 27th sees a bump to 4 ft but still marginal, and the energy finally climbs into the four digits (1018), but the tide might be working against us. It’s still small and inconsistent.

The real standout comes on Monday, the 7th of September. That morning, the wind goes light offshore from the east, with only a slight air. The swell is still south-southwest at 2 ft, period 18 seconds, and the energy jumps to 543. The forecast says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the pick of the whole period. The offshore wind and long period groundswell against the reef should make for clean, lined-up waves at Tunnels. It’s small, but for a reef break, those conditions are a treat. Crowds are often here, so if you’re keen, get in early.

The Wednesday morning of the 9th of September also shows some promise with a light breeze from the southeast and a long period SSW swell, rated “expect good surf conditions,” but the energy is a bit lower (393). Still worth a paddle if you miss the 7th.

Overall, there’s a long dry spell until the 7th of September. That Monday morning is the one to circle. The rest is a waiting game with mostly clean but tiny surf.

Rusty.

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