Back Beach 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 solid run of South-West groundswell, but the problem is the size. For the first few days here at Back Beach, we’ve got a serious amount of juice in the water. The swell is hitting 13 feet with a very long 16-second period, and the combined energy is pumping at a massive 8903. That’s a lot of water moving. The water temp is sitting right around average for this time of year at 66°, so no surprises there.

Honestly, the first few days are a write-off for a comfortable paddle. Tuesday the 18th through Thursday the 21st are seeing waves between 10 feet and 13 feet, and the wind is mostly cross or cross-on. The swell is just too big for this exposed beach break, it’s going to be a washing machine. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a surfing one. The onshore winds on Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon will just make it a lumpy mess.

Now, Saturday the 22nd is where things start to get interesting. The morning has a solid 8-foot swell, still a long 17-second period, but the wind swings to a light cross-offshore from the North. The energy is still high at 4206, but it’s clean. This is an excellent window for experienced surfers only – that’s still a meaty wave and not for the faint of heart. The morning is the standout for the mid-range.

We’ve got a bit of a lull coming up. Sunday the 23rd and Monday the 24th are dropping into the 6-foot to 7-foot range, but the wind is messy. There’s a small window Monday morning with a light cross-offshore and 7-foot swell, but the period is down to 14 seconds, and the energy is much lower at 1983. It’s okay, but not the best.

Then Tuesday the 25th and Wednesday the 26th get blown out by strong onshore winds – 25 mph on Tuesday morning. That’s a no-go. The waves are still big, but the wind is destroying it.

Looking further ahead, the real standout for the entire forecast comes on Saturday the 29th of August. The swell is a more manageable 7 feet, but the period is back up to a very long 17 seconds. The energy is moderate at 2702, but the key is the wind. It’s light and cross-on, so it’s not perfect but it’s workable. It’s a solid option.

But the absolute best on offer is Sunday the 30th of August. The morning is glassy. Flat calm. The swell is 7 feet from the WSW with a 15-second period, and the energy is 1993. For a beach break, that’s going to be clean, lined-up, and not too heavy for a good intermediate. It’s still a bit of a wait, but the glassy conditions make it the pick of the trip.

The run continues into Monday the 31st with another glassy morning, but the swell jumps back to 10 feet, so that’s expert-only territory again. The week after that is all big swell and onshore winds, honestly, not worth the drive.

So, for the best bet: Saturday the 22nd morning for the big-wave crew, and Sunday the 30th morning for the best all-round conditions. Keep your eyes on that Sunday, it’s looking promising.

Rusty.

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