Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s lined up for the next couple of weeks.

To be straight with you, the next 16 days are a bit of a grind. There’s no real standout, epic swell on the cards. The first real chance to get wet without feeling like you’re wasting your time doesn’t pop up until Monday, July 20th. Before that, from Thursday the 16th right through the weekend, it’s all poor surf conditions and marginal calls. The wind is a relentless cross-off from the ENE, blowing 12 to 22 mph, which makes a mess of things. You’ll be looking at small, weak waves that just aren't worth paddling out for.

The best bet on offer, and the only one I’d even consider, is Tunnels on the morning of Monday, July 20th. The swell is coming in from the S at 3 ft with a period of 16 seconds. That’s a long-period groundswell, which means it’ll have some push and shape to it. The combined wave energy is moderate at 505, so there’s enough juice to get a few good ones. The wind is still cross-off from the ENE at 12 mph, which will keep the surface a bit bumpy but not horrible. Water temp is sitting at 80°, about average for the time of year, so you’ll be comfortable in a spring suit. The crowds here are often an issue, so expect plenty of company if you’re chasing that one.

The rest of the week is a write-off. Tuesday through to the end of the month is a long stretch of poor surf with strong winds and marginal energy. The swell does get a bit bigger around the 25th and 26th, with a 4 ft SSW swell, but the wind is howling at 22 mph, making it a messy, choppy scene. That kind of setup, with a beach break and strong onshore wind, looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

For the second week, things don't improve. The last few days of July and into the 30th see the swell drop right off. The 30th of July has a 2 ft S swell with a light 3 mph NE wind, which could be glassy, but the waves are just too small and weak to get excited about. The energy is a low 190. You’d be bobbing around more than surfing.

Bottom line: Keep your expectations low. The only semi-decent window is the morning of the 20th at Tunnels, and even that’s a compromise. It’s a long, quiet stretch ahead.

Rusty.

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