Bandol - Les Nervis Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for the Bandol stretch. I’ve got to be straight with you – this isn’t exactly a vintage forecast. The swell window is quiet and the energy is weak for the vast majority of the next 16 days. We’re looking at a long stretch of flat or near-flat conditions, especially through the first week. There’s absolutely no stand-out session in this run, but we’ll walk through what little we have.

Right now, and for the first several days, it’s a ghost town. The swell is tiny, if it’s there at all. The first sign of any rideable bumps comes on Thursday morning, the 6th of August, with a tiny 2ft swell from the WSW at a short 5 seconds. The wind is glassy though, so it’s clean. But to be honest, with the combined energy of all swells directed here at a measly 28 (weak energy), you’re really just bobbing around on a lake. The water is a warm 78°F, which is much warmer than normal for this time of year – over 5°F above average, so that’s notable.

The real problem is that every single entry in the data says “poor surf conditions.” There’s no hiding it. The best we get is a small window around Saturday the 15th of August. The Saturday afternoon sees a bump in swell to 6ft from the west, with a period of 6 seconds and a moderate combined energy of 212 (moderate wave energy). The wind is cross-off from the west at 19 mph, which will keep it clean. That’s the biggest swell of the whole run, but with a short period and a beach-and-reef setup, it’s going to be a bit of a messy, punchy affair. It’s not beginner-friendly at that size, but it’s the only real pulse of energy we get.

The next morning, Sunday the 16th, holds a similar 4ft from the west with a solid offshore wind from the WNW at 16 mph. That’s clean, but again, the period is short (6 seconds) and the energy is only moderate (128). It’s a one-day wonder, then it drops back to nothing.

To be honest, Bandol – Les Nervis is an inconsistent spot, and this forecast proves it. There’s a huge gap of flatness from the 5th right through to the 15th, and then it’s back to tiny again after the 17th. There’s no standout. If you’re desperate for a paddle, the best chance is the morning of the 16th of August for a clean, offshore wave, but don’t expect any barrels. For the rest of the time, the kite surfers might get a look in on the windier afternoons, but for us surfers, it’s a waiting game.

Stay tuned, forecasts can change.

Rusty.

Read more