Banna Strand Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, looking at what's on the cards for our local stretch.

We're looking at a pretty poor run of surf for the next week or so, but there's a couple of windows that could be worth a look if you're keen. The early days are a real write-off, but things start to show a hint of life by the end of the month.

The first real chance to get wet doesn't come until Sunday morning, the 30th of August. Banna Strand is the spot, and it's the only game in town. The water temp is about what you'd expect for this time of year, nothing unusual. That morning, we've got a 4ft swell rolling in from the west with a period of 9 seconds, giving us a moderate 207 units of energy. The wind will be a nice cross-off from the southeast, keeping things clean. It's a consistent sandbar, so it breaks often, but it's exposed and can get crowded. This is the pick of the first week but it's still only a small, average wave.

After that, it's back to the doldrums. Monday through to the following Saturday are all poor, with onshore winds and messy conditions. The swell sticks around but the wind just ruins it. The combined energy climbs through the week, hitting a strong 1426 units by Friday morning the 4th, but the 7ft WNW swell is hampered by a cross-shore wind. The period stretches to 12 seconds, suggesting a bit more punch, but it's not clean.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. On Sunday, the 6th of September, the afternoon brings a 10ft swell from the WNW with a 10-second period and a massive 1536 units of energy. The wind is a cross-off from the southeast, making it look clean. However, the guidance warns this is too big for Banna Strand. It's a sandbar, and a 10ft swell with a 10-second period is going to be a beast, likely a washing machine for the competent only. The same goes for the Monday morning of the 7th. If you're an expert and you're frothing, you might find a pulse, but the average surfer should steer clear.

Looking further ahead, the second week has a couple of glimmers. On the morning of Thursday, the 10th of September, we get a 4ft swell from the WSW with a 10-second period and 318 units. The wind is light and offshore from the northeast, so it'll be glassy. It's a small, clean option.

Then, the real standout, but it's a long way out. On Friday morning, the 11th of September, we see a 15ft swell from the WNW with an 11-second period and a massive 4648 units of energy. The wind is a cross-shore from the north. Again, the guidance says it's too big for the break. This is a monster swell, and for a beach break, it's going to be a heavy, closed-out mess or a jet-ski-only session. It's a distant, exciting prospect, but for now, it's just a number on the chart.

So, to sum it up: the best of a bad lot is Sunday morning the 30th of August for a small, clean wave. If you're an expert, keep an eye on the 6th and 7th of September, but be prepared for a big, powerful ocean. The 10th of September is a gamble for a small clean session. Everything else, for the next week at least, is a skip.

Rusty.

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