Bali Bay (Glen Reef) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s get into it.

We’ve got a solid run of surf kicking off Tuesday, August 11th, and it’s looking like a great stretch for the experienced crew at Bali Bay (Glen Reef). The water is sitting at 56°, which is a solid 4° cooler than usual for this time of year – a bit of a chill on the skin, so don’t forget that spring suit. The overall energy is pumping, with some serious swell numbers coming through.

Tuesday morning serves up a clean 7ft swell from the south, with a 12-second period. The cross-off wind from the ESE at 6 mph is keeping things tidy. The combined energy is strong (1848). That’s a proper wave for intermediate to advanced surfers. Tuesday afternoon drops a little to 4ft from the SSW, but still clean and fun.

Wednesday, August 12th, is where it really starts to fire. Morning brings a 6ft SW groundswell with a long 18-second period and perfect offshore wind from the east at 6 mph. The energy jumps to 2398 – that’s a lot of push. This is a standout session. The longer period means the reef will handle it beautifully, but expect longer lulls between sets. The afternoon stays similar with 6ft SW swell and 17-second period, just a touch lighter wind.

Thursday, August 13th, is the pick of the entire outlook. Morning sees 8ft of SW groundswell, 17-second period, and a clean cross-off breeze from the NNE at 9 mph. The energy is a massive 3553. That’s proper, powerful, long-period groundswell. This is a day for the experienced surfer, no question. The afternoon is still good, but the wind swings cross-shore, so the morning is the call.

Friday, August 14th, the swell backs off a touch to 6ft from the WSW, but still with a solid 15-second period. The morning stays clean with a cross-off breeze. The energy is still strong (1583). The afternoon gets a bit messy with the cross-shore wind.

Saturday, August 15th, is a hidden gem. Morning is glassy – that’s right, flat calm, with 6ft of WSW swell and a 14-second period. That’s a magic window for a reef break. The energy is moderate to strong (1182). The afternoon gets a light cross-on breeze, so the morning is the time.

Sunday, August 16th, the wind gets a bit tricky, with cross and cross-on conditions all day. The swell holds around 6ft to 7ft from the WSW, but the quality drops. Still worth a look if you’re keen, but the magic is gone.

Monday, August 17th, the swell pushes back up to 8ft from the WSW, but the wind is shifting, and the energy is high (2057). The morning has a cross-shore breeze, making it a bit bumpy.

Tuesday, August 18th, the swell gets big – 10ft from the SW, with a 12-second period. That’s expert territory. The morning has a clean cross-off wind from the NNW, but the afternoon turns to light rain and a cross-on wind. The energy is strong (2624). This is a beast of a day, only for the very skilled.

From Wednesday, August 19th, through to the end of the outlook, the quality drops. The swell stays in the 4ft to 8ft range, but the wind is inconsistent, with a lot of cross and cross-on conditions. The energy levels are moderate to strong at times, but it’s not the clean, groomed surf of the first week. There’s a highlight on Saturday, August 22nd afternoon, with a 8ft SW swell and a 14-second period, plus a gentler cross-shore breeze and a massive energy of 5057. That’s a lot of water moving, but it’s a bit sloppy. Then on Sunday, August 23rd, we get another glassy morning with 7ft from the WSW and a 13-second period – that’s a clean, solid option for the end of the run.

The best surf is hands down Thursday, August 13th morning, with that 8ft SW groundswell, 17-second period, and clean cross-off wind. The second standout is Wednesday, August 12th morning, with the 6ft SW groundswell and offshore wind. Those are the days to clear the schedule.

Rusty.

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