Tunnels Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s on offer. The outlook for Tunnels is a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. We’ve got a solid run of surf coming through, but the wind is going to be the main character for most of it. The water temperature is sitting at 79°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real chance to get wet kicks off on Saturday, July 11. We’ve got a small but punchy groundswell rolling in from the SSW, 2 feet, with a very long period of 18 seconds. That kind of period means proper energy, nice shaped waves, and longer lulls between sets – perfect for picking them off. The energy is moderate (325). The catch is a fresh cross-offshore breeze from the ENE at 20-22 mph. It’s not howling, but it’s not glassy either, so the surface will be a little bumpy.

Sunday, July 12, sees the swell holding steady at 3 feet from the SW, still a solid 16-second period, and moderate energy (426). The wind stays the same story – cross-off from the ENE. It’s surfable, but you’ll be working for the clean ones.

The trend continues into Monday, July 13, with similar 3 feet SSW swell and 15-second period. The wind is still blowing cross-off from the ENE at 19 mph. The energy is moderate (407). It’s a case of pick your tide and your bank.

Now, Tuesday, July 14, morning is where things get a little interesting. The swell drops a touch to 3 feet from the SSW, but the period is still a decent 14 seconds. The wind eases to a moderate breeze from the ENE at 16 mph. The combined energy actually jumps up to strong (612), which is a bit of a surprise for that size. It’s described as marginal, but that’s the best window in the near term. The afternoon is poor again with the wind picking up.

For the rest of the first week and into the second, it’s a similar story. The swell sticks around mostly in the 2 to 3 feet range, with the wind stubbornly blowing from the ENE or E, mostly cross-off. There’s a brief moment on Friday, July 17, afternoon where the wind goes offshore, but it’s short-lived and the swell is only 2 feet. The energy is moderate (268).

Looking further out, the pattern doesn’t really change. The swells keep coming from the SSW and S, with periods ranging from 12 to 20 seconds, but the wind refuses to cooperate. Saturday, July 25, morning shows a 3 feet SSW swell with a 15-second period and moderate energy (478), but still a cross-off breeze. That’s about as good as it gets in the long range.

Honestly, there’s no standout day here. The wind is the killer. For a spot that’s exposed to SW swell, the direction is right, but the constant cross-off breeze means the waves will rarely be that clean, glassy picture you’re dreaming of. If you’re desperate for a paddle, aim for the Tuesday, July 14, morning or the Friday, July 17, afternoon, but keep your expectations in check. The waves won’t be big, and they won’t be perfect.

Rusty.

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