Turtles Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk about the surf ahead at Turtles. It’s a consistent reef break, exposed to the swell, so it’s always got something for the intermediate crew. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing unusual there.

Right now, through the end of July, we’ve got a solid run of chest-high SSW swell, around 3 ft to 5 ft, with a long period of 14 to 19 seconds. It’s a clean wave, but the wind is a cross-off from the SE at 12 to 19 mph, which is keeping things a bit fat. The combined energy is moderate to strong, around 1558 to 1505, but the surf is marginal with tide issues. Nothing to get too excited about.

Moving into August, that SSW swell picks up a touch. Saturday and Sunday morning, 6 ft to 6 ft, with period holding around 16 to 18 seconds. Still cross-off wind, still that moderate breeze, and the wave energy is climbing—1736 to 2061. The surf is a little better but still marginal; it’s not the cleanest shape. The best option is looking like Saturday morning, with 6 ft at 18 seconds and the energy moderate-strong (1736). The wind is moderate, so it’s manageable.

The first week of August keeps the same pattern: 5 ft to 7 ft SSW swell, periods often in the mid-to-high teens, but the wind is our problem. It’s a persistent SE cross-off at 12 to 22 mph. This breeze is strong enough to put a bit of chop on the face, making it a grind rather than a glide. The energy is moderate to strong, peaking around 2664 on Thursday the 6th, but that afternoon the wind picks up to a fresh 22 mph breeze, and the score drops off. The morning of Thursday the 6th is the pick of the first week—7 ft at 16 seconds, moderate breeze, 2664 energy. It’s still a “marginal” call, but it’s the cleanest session.

Now, the second week gets proper serious. From the 9th of August into the 14th, we see a ramp-up into some significant SSW swell. The mornings have that 7 ft to 10 ft range with a shift to S swell at times. The period stays solid around 15 to 18 seconds. The energy goes through the roof—3041 up to 6879 by the 14th. That 10 ft to 12 ft range is big, and the wind is still a cross-off from the SE, so it’s not going to be glassy. Turtles being a reef, that long-period groundswell will make it hollow and tricky. This is for the experienced only. The standout is the 12 ft SSW at 17 seconds on Thursday the 13th afternoon (6681 energy) and Friday the 14th morning (6879 energy)—that is a massive, powerful wall of water. The crowds here can be around sometimes, so expect company for that one.

Overall, the best on offer is the morning of Thursday the 14th of August: 12 ft SSW at 17 seconds, very clean, with the highest combined energy (6879). It’s a long-period groundswell that will love the reef. The wind is a fresh 19 mph cross-off, which isn’t ideal, but the raw power and shape will make it memorable for those who can handle it. The other highlight is Thursday the 6th of August morning—7 ft at 16 seconds with a moderate breeze, the cleanest session before the strong winds hit.

There’s no gap at the start; we have surf from day one. The entire 16 days is a constant stream of SSW swell, just steadily building.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty.

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