Ballina North Wall Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with the long-range look at what’s cooking for Ballina North Wall. This is a spot that can fire when the conditions line up, but it’s exposed and wants that easterly or south-south-easterly swell to really get going. Right now, the water temp is sitting at 69°F, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The outlook starts on Tuesday, July 28, but to be honest, the first few days are a bit of a write-off. That Tuesday morning you’ve got a tiny 1ft swell from the ESE with a long 12-second period, but the wave comment says "poor surf conditions" and the energy is a weak 30. The wind is offshore from the WSW, so it’s clean, but there’s just no grunt in the water. The afternoon gets a little more height at 3ft from the SSE, but the period drops to 8 seconds and the wind swings onshore, so it’s small and messy. Wednesday and Thursday are similar – small, short-period swells with poor conditions. There’s a brief spike on Thursday morning with a 4ft south swell at 6 seconds, but it’s a lumpy, wind-affected affair.

Friday morning, July 31, we finally see a bit of light. A 2ft SSE swell with a very long 15-second period, and the energy climbs to 186. The comment says "surfable waves but very ordinary conditions" – it’s not the day to call in sick for, but the long period means the lines might be cleaner than the height suggests. By Saturday, August 1, we’re getting a 5ft SSE swell with moderate energy (539), and the wind is cross-offshore from the SW. It’s still labelled "marginal," but it’s moving in the right direction.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Sunday, August 2, is the first real standout. The morning session sees a 3ft swell from the SE with a long 16-second period, clean light cross-offshore winds from the SW, and the energy jumps to 757. The comment says "expect very good surf conditions." For a point/breakwater like Ballina North Wall, that long-period groundswell from the SE is ideal – it’ll wrap in nicely and offer some proper lines. The waves won’t be huge, but the quality and shape should be excellent. That’s the session to target.

Monday, August 3, is also promising with a 4ft SSE swell, 11-second period, and clean morning conditions. The energy is 631, so it’s a solid follow-up day. Then things get messy again mid-week with strong southerly winds and rain, making for poor conditions.

The next big window is Thursday, August 6, but this one is a caveat. We’re looking at a 8ft SSE swell with a massive 1315 energy reading. The wind is cross-offshore from the SSW and the setup is clean, but the comment warns that the swell is predicted to be too big for this break. This is expert-only territory – over 8ft, it’s a heavy, powerful wave that will be challenging even for the best. Not a beginner’s day.

The real gold in this forecast is the run from Monday, August 10, through Wednesday, August 12. The morning of Monday the 10th brings a 6ft E swell, 10-second period, with light offshore SW winds and an energy of 693 – "expect very good surf conditions." Tuesday morning, August 11, is even better: 6ft from the E, 11-second period, glassy conditions with WSW winds at just 3 mph, and the energy is 906. That’s clean, lined-up, and punchy. Wednesday morning, August 12, is nearly identical: 6ft E swell, 11-second period, glassy with SW winds, and 787 energy. These three mornings are the absolute best on offer – consistent, clean, and with plenty of push. The afternoons do get a bit onshore, so mornings are the call.

Overall, the first week is a slow burn, but the second week – particularly the 10th to the 12th – has some truly excellent surf in store. The crowds at Ballina North Wall can be a factor when it’s good, so expect company if you’re chasing those glassy mornings. Don’t sleep on the 2nd and 3rd of August either – that long-period SE swell is a gem.

Stay frothy,
Rusty

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