Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the menu for the next couple of weeks. We're looking at a pretty lean stretch ahead, so don't get your hopes up too high.

The overall pattern is a long, drawn-out period of small, weak surf with a persistent cross-off wind. The energy is just not there for the most part. We've got a bit of a gap at the start, with the first proper surfable window not showing up until Tuesday, August 4th. Even then, it's not much to write home about.

For the first week, from now through to about August 8th, it's a tough slog. The swell is tiny, mostly around 1ft to 2ft, with combined energy readings that are mostly weak, often in the 50 to 132 range. The wind is a constant cross-off from the ENE at 6 to 19 mph. It's clean, but there's just no push. The water temperature is sitting at about 80°, which is normal for this time of year.

Now, there is a bit of a pulse of energy coming in the second week. Around Monday, August 11th, we start to see the combined energy jump up into the 300s and 400s, topping out around 890 on Wednesday, August 13th. The swell height picks up to 3ft to 4ft, coming from the S. The period is also getting longer, reaching 18 seconds which is a proper groundswell. But here's the kicker: the wind is not our friend. It stays a solid cross-off from the ENE, blowing 16 to 25 mph. That's going to be messy. The wave comments are all "poor surf conditions" or "marginal," and the scores reflect that. For a spot like Tunnels, which is exposed to SW swell, this S swell is going to wrap in, but with that wind, it's going to be a real battle. It's not going to be clean, fun surf.

The best on offer, and I'm being generous here, is the morning of Wednesday, August 13th. The swell is 3ft from the S with a period of 18 seconds, and the combined energy is a solid 816. The wind is still cross-off at 16 mph. It's the most energy we'll see, but it's a long way out and that wind is a real problem. For a reef break, the long period swell is a positive, but the wind is the spoiler. It's for experts only at that size, and the crowds at Tunnels are often there, so be prepared for a lineup.

For the rest of the second week, from August 14th onwards, the swell drops off again. The heights fade back to 2ft to 3ft, and the energy drops back into the 100s and 200s. The wind doesn't let up, staying strong from the ENE. Honestly, with the consistent wind and the swell size, it might be more interesting for the kite surfers than paddle surfers.

The long-range stuff around the 16th and 17th is just a fading memory. The wind is still howling, and the swell is tiny. There's nothing to get excited about there.

So, to sum it up: if you're desperate, the morning of Wednesday, August 13th, is your best bet. It's a long shot with that wind, but it's the only window with any real energy. Otherwise, keep your board in the car and wait for the next one.

Rusty.

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