Banna Strand Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Banna Strand has in store for us over the next couple of weeks. Straight up, I gotta be honest with you – this forecast is a tough one. For the vast majority of the period, the wind is going to be a real pain, blowing cross-on or onshore and messing up the surface. We’re looking at a long stretch of poor conditions before things finally turn around.

The first week is pretty much a write-off. From Sunday the 6th right through to the 19th of September, it’s a real battle. The swell comes and goes, with some serious size showing up – we’re talking 12ft on Tuesday the 8th with the combined energy going through the roof (2279) – but the wind is just not playing ball. It’s cross-on or onshore nearly the whole time, so the waves are going to be lumpy, choppy, and generally a mess. There are a few moments where it’s borderline, like Friday afternoon the 11th with a small 3ft swell, but the energy is weak (203) and it’s just not worth getting wet for.

You’ll notice there’s a huge gap here with nothing really rideable. We don’t get a proper recommendation until we hit the second week.

Now, the standout window. Keep your eyes on the 20th and 21st of September. That’s when it all comes together. We’ve got a nice West swell rolling in at 7ft on Sunday the 20th, with good period (11 seconds) and solid energy (1109). But the real story is the wind. A light cross-off breeze from the SSE is going to clean things right up. This is your window for clean, well-shaped waves that’ll have some push. It’s going to be a proper groundswell, which should set up nicely along this exposed sandbar, offering some longer rides between sets. This is best for experienced surfers given the size.

Then on Monday the 21st, it gets even better. We’re looking at a 7ft swell from the NW, and again that light cross-off from the SSE will keep the surface glassy. The period bumps up to 12 seconds, and the energy is strong (1375). This is the real standout of the whole outlook. Clean, powerful waves with good shape. If you can only paddle out once in this forecast, make it the morning of the 21st.

Because Banna Strand is a consistent spot that’s exposed to that West swell, and crowds are often around, it’s worth noting that when the conditions are as good as those two mornings, you won’t be alone. But for the quality on offer, a few others in the water is a small price to pay.

The water temp on the 6th is sitting at 62°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. That’s a nice little bonus.

So to sum it up: the first two weeks are a write-off with that wind. Forget about it. But the 20th and especially the 21st of September? That’s the real deal. Mark it in your calendar.

Rusty.

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