Balangan Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s break down what’s happening for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a solid run of swell at Balangan, a classic reef break that’s consistent and pretty exposed to the SW. The water’s sitting at 78°, which is about average for this time of year – nothing wild. The action kicks off Sunday morning, the 23rd of August, with a clean 6ft SSW groundswell rolling in at a long 15 seconds. The wind is light offshore from the ESE, so it’ll be glassy and lined up. The combined energy is pumping at 1986 (moderate to strong), so there’s plenty of push. This is for experienced surfers only – that size and period on a reef is no joke for beginners.

Sunday afternoon gets a bit cross-off, so it’s a bit more scrappy, but still worth a paddle if you’re keen. Monday the 24th looks even better: morning and afternoon both have clean offshore winds and a solid 6ft to 6ft SSW swell, period stretching to 16 seconds. The energy hangs around the 1700 mark – excellent, powerful waves. Tuesday the 25th keeps the offshore flow going with 6ft, 16-second swell, though the morning is a little more marginal on the tide. Wednesday the 26th drops a touch to 5ft–5ft, but still clean and fun.

Then Thursday the 27th offers a treat – the swell drops to 4ft in the morning, but the period jumps to 20 seconds in the afternoon! That’s a very long groundswell, and it’ll wrap beautifully around the reef. Just be aware, that long period can make the wave a bit more walled up at certain spots. Energy is huge at 2647 in the afternoon, but it’s cross-off, so it won’t be perfect. Still, a special session for the experienced crew.

Now, the standout of the whole run is hands down Friday the 28th of August. Morning brings a solid 10ft SSW swell at 16 seconds, with a gentle offshore breeze from the SE. The energy reading is a massive 4022 (very strong). This is big, powerful, and clean – expert-only territory. If you’ve got the skills, this is the session to circle. The afternoon drops to 8ft but stays clean, still well overhead.

Saturday the 29th backs off to 6ft in the morning, still offshore and clean – a great day for the strong intermediate to step up. Sunday the 30th is smaller, 5ft, and the wind stays favourable, but the energy drops, so it’s a more relaxed day. Monday the 31st brings a new pulse: 4ft with a 19-second period in the morning, then 6ft with 18 seconds in the afternoon. That’s long-period groundswell again, and the wind is offshore, so the reef will be singing.

Into September, Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd keep the consistency: 6ft–7ft SW swell, clean offshore winds, energy in the 1700–2200 range. Excellent quality. Thursday the 3rd and Friday the 4th are a bit smaller, 4ft–5ft, but still clean and fun. Then the weekend of the 5th and 6th of September sees a bigger SSW swell push through (7ft–8ft), but the wind goes cross-off, so it’s a bit choppier – still powerful, but less polished.

Monday the 7th of September wraps it up with a return to offshore winds and 7ft SSW swell, energy around 2000. That’s a solid, clean, expert-level day to close out the run.

Overall, the best on offer is the Friday 28th August morning session – huge, clean, and powerful. For a slightly smaller but still excellent option, Monday 24th and Tuesday 1st September mornings are also top-tier. Crowds are possible at Balangan, so get there early if you want a clean peak.

- Rusty

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