Turtles Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, lookin’ at the swell window for Turtles. A bit of a mixed bag comin’ up, but there’s a couple of sessions that’ll have your toes tinglin’. The water’s sittin’ at a balmy 82°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so no need to bust out the thick steamer.

We’re kickin’ off Saturday, July 11th, but honestly, it’s a bit of a tease. Southeasterly cross-off at 19 mph is blowin’ across a 4 ft swell from the southwest, and the energy’s only moderate at 695. It’s clean, but the wave comment says it’s marginal, so I’d probably give it a miss unless you’re desperate for a paddle. Sunday the 12th is where it starts to get your attention. Mornin’ has a slight 3 ft southwest swell with a 12-second period, and with only 3 mph of cross-off wind, it’s glassy. The combined energy is a bit weak at 404, but it’s a clean, cruisy wave. The afternoon picks up a notch with 3 ft from the south-southwest, a gentle breeze, and 513 energy – it’s lookin’ very good.

Monday the 13th brings a weird one. A 2 ft swell but with a 21-second period – that’s proper long-period groundswell. The energy jumps to 1000, but it’s cross-off at 12 mph. A long period like that at a reef break like Turtles should wrap in nicely, but the wind is a bit of a spoiler. The afternoon gets a little bigger at 3 ft but the wind picks up. It’s still clean, but the scores are only marginal.

The standout for the first week has to be Tuesday, July 14th, morning. We’ve got a 6 ft southwest swell, 17-second period, and the energy is bangin’ at 2441. The wind is a light 9 mph cross-off from the east-southeast. That’s a solid, powerful groundswell with clean conditions. At 6 ft, it’s a bit too much for the groms, but for the crew with a bit of experience, you’ll be smilin’. The afternoon is still 5 ft but the wind jumps to 19 mph, so the morning is the call.

The middle of the week, from Wednesday the 15th through to Sunday the 19th, is a bit of a grind. Swells hang around 4 ft to 5 ft, but the wind is consistently in the 16-22 mph range from the southeast. It’s cross-off, but it’s a fresh breeze, and the energy is moderate. The wave comments are all “marginal” or “poor.” Not terrible, but you’ll be workin’ for it.

Now, Sunday the 19th afternoon starts to show a pulse. A 8 ft south-southwest swell with a 19-second period and the energy is massive at 4151. The wind is still fresh at 22 mph, so it’s a lot of power but messy. That sets up a real ripper for Monday, July 20th, and Tuesday, July 21st. Tuesday mornin’ is the clear winner of the whole run. It’s a 5 ft south-southwest swell, 14-second period, and the wind drops to a light 6 mph from the south-southeast. The energy is a solid 1250, and the wave comment says it’s excellent for experienced surfers. That’s a clean, powerful reef wave with no wind chop. Absolute gem.

Wednesday, July 22nd, morning is another cracker for the more experienced crew. 6 ft swell from the south, 13-second period, and a gentle 9 mph cross-off wind. Energy is 1377, and it’s rated excellent. The swell is a bit over 5 ft, so it’s not for learners, but the shape should be there.

The real monster is comin’ on Friday, July 24th, afternoon. A 10 ft south swell, 18-second period, and the energy is a staggering 10368. That’s serious, heavy water. The wind is a fresh 19 mph cross-off, but the wave comment finally gives it a high score. At 10 ft, this is experts-only territory. The sets will be big, long, and powerful. Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th keep the 8 ft swell from the south, with good energy, but the wind never really lets up. It’ll be big, clean, and drifty. For a reef like Turtles, that long-period south swell will be epic, but you’ll want to be on your game.

Overall, the best of the lot is Tuesday, July 21st, morning, with that light wind and solid 5 ft swell. The second best is Wednesday, July 22nd, morning. The big stuff on the 24th is for the hardcore chargers only.

Rusty.

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