Balangan Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Looks like we’ve got a solid run of south swell for Balangan over the next couple of weeks. It’s not firing perfect barrels every day, but there’s plenty of wave energy and clean conditions forecast for most of the run. The water’s sitting at 81°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The pattern kicks off Wednesday the 8th of July and it’s straight into it. Wednesday morning has a nice 7 ft SSW swell with a 15-second period, pushing a strong 1915 (combined energy) of south-west groundswell. The wind’s blowing ESE at 19 mph, so it’s offshore and clean. The afternoon holds 7 ft with a 16-second period and 2023 (energy). The tide and conditions might make it a bit tricky, but the wave quality is there. Good for anyone who knows the reef.

Thursday the 9th is similar, with a 7 ft SSW swell in the morning, 15-second period, and 2174 (energy) under fresh offshore winds. The afternoon drops to 6 ft but still clean. This pattern of 6 ft to 7 ft, long-period SSW groundswell, and consistent offshore ESE winds holds right through until Saturday the 11th. The energy stays strong, mostly in the 1700 to 2000 range, and the wind stays offshore, so the reef will be clean and lined up. The crowds are only “sometimes” an issue here, so you’ll get your share.

Sunday the 12th sees a drop in size, down to 3 ft in the morning and 3 ft in the afternoon, with the energy falling to 454 and 369. The wind is lighter, still offshore, but the swell is weak. Still, it’s clean and rideable on a log or a mid-length.

Then Monday the 13th throws a curveball. The morning swell is a tiny 2 ft, but the period jumps to 23 seconds – that’s very long-period groundswell. The energy is 613 (moderate), so there’s a pulse in the water. The afternoon gets better: 3 ft with a 21-second period and 1047 (energy). The wind is moderate offshore, so it’s clean. This long-period swell will be breaking a bit straight on the beach, but at Balangan reef it should wrap in nicely. It’s not a standout day for size, but the quality of the waves could be surprisingly good.

Tuesday the 14th and Wednesday the 15th see a return to proper swell: 6 ft to 6 ft, 18-second period, with energy up to 2580. The wind stays offshore, but the tide might be a factor. Still, these are the best days for size and power in the first week.

The standout window is Thursday the 22nd and Friday the 23rd. Thursday the 22nd afternoon brings 7 ft of SSW swell, 14-second period, strong 1926 (energy) and moderate offshore wind. The conditions are rated excellent for experienced surfers – that’s a big call. Then Friday the 23rd morning is the pick: 6 ft, 14-second period, 1520 (energy) and a gentle offshore breeze from the ESE at only 9 mph. The wind is nearly glassy, and the waves will be clean and well-shaped. The afternoon is similar but with a cross-offshore breeze. If you’re an experienced surfer, this is the time to be out. The 8 ft on Tuesday the 21st afternoon is big and powerful, but that’s getting into expert-only territory.

Overall, the best one-two punch is the clean, moderate swell days of the 22nd and 23rd of July, where the quality and conditions come together. The first week is reliable but a bit more average on the tide. If you want clean, long-period groundswell with the best shape, aim for the 23rd.

Rusty.

Read more