Bali Bay (Glen Reef) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve got the lowdown on Bali Bay (Glen Reef) for the next couple of weeks. It’s a reef break that’s very consistent and exposed to the swell, so it’s always in the mix. The water’s sitting at 58°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year—nothing too wild, but you’ll feel it.

The first real chance to get wet kicks off on Wednesday, August 5th, but honestly, it’s not looking great. Wednesday morning has a 7ft SW swell with a 16-second period—that’s proper long-period groundswell, which should wrap in nicely, but the wind is howling from the north at 19 mph, cross-off, so it’s messy. The combined energy is 2336, which is strong, but the conditions are marginal. Wednesday afternoon is worse: 8ft SW, 15-second period, cross-shore wind, and the energy jumps to 2459, but it’s lumpy and cross-chop. Not worth paddling out.

Thursday, August 6th, sees a big jump in size. Morning has 12ft of WSW swell, 13-second period, and a cross wind from the SSE at 9 mph. The energy is 3672—strong—but the swell is well over 8ft, so this is only for experienced surfers. The afternoon is similar, 12ft SW at 12 seconds, with a stronger cross wind at 16 mph, energy at 3459. It’s big, but it’s going to be a battle.

Now, Friday, August 7th morning is the standout. The swell eases to 10ft from the SW, but the period is 14 seconds, and the wind is light from the ESE at 3 mph, cross-off. The energy is 4062—very strong—but it’s clean. This is excellent for experienced surfers, but that size means it’s not for the faint-hearted. The afternoon is 12ft SW, 15-second period, with a light cross-on breeze, so it’s still good, but the morning is the pick.

Saturday, August 8th, the swell drops to 8ft from the SW, 13-second period, but the wind is cross-on and the conditions are choppy. Energy is 2376. Not great. Sunday, August 9th, is a write-off: 12ft to 15ft swell with a gale-force cross wind at 31 mph, energy up to 7830—this is more for kite surfers than paddle surfers.

Things settle down from Monday, August 10th, but the swell is small—7ft to 5ft—and the wind is strong offshore, so it’s clean but weak. The best run starts on Tuesday, August 11th, with a 5ft SSW swell, 12-second period, and light offshore wind. Energy is 921, which is moderate, but it’s clean. Wednesday, August 12th morning is the absolute gem: 5ft SW swell with an 18-second period—very long-period groundswell—and glassy conditions. Energy is 1573; this is going to be smooth, powerful, and perfect for the reef. Thursday, August 13th morning is also glassy, with 7ft WSW swell, 15-second period, energy at 1769—another beauty.

The second week sees a downward trend. Friday, August 14th through Saturday, August 15th, have 5ft to 5ft WSW swell, 12-second period, with light offshore winds. Clean but small. Sunday, August 16th, the swell drops to 3ft, and Monday, August 17th, is 5ft but with a shorter 9-second period, so less quality.

Tuesday, August 18th, the swell pumps back up to 12ft from the WSW, 12-13 seconds, with cross wind, energy over 3400—again, only for experienced surfers. Wednesday, August 19th, is similar. Then Thursday, August 20th, the biggest swell of the forecast hits: 18ft from the SW, 14-second period, with offshore wind, energy an insane 12310. This is massive, powerful, and dangerous—only for the hardcore experts.

Overall, the best on offer is the glassy morning of Wednesday, August 12th, and the glassy morning of Thursday, August 13th. Those are the clean, long-period groundswell sessions you want to circle. The Friday morning, August 7th, is also a standout for experienced surfers, but it’s a lot bigger. Keep an eye on the long-range forecast for Thursday, August 20th—it’s massive but promising, though less certain this far out.

Rusty.

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