Bar Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s talk about what’s on offer at Bar Beach. It’s a long stretch of flat, small, or messy surf before things get real big later on. The water temp at the start is about 17°C, which is a touch cooler than average for this time of year—so a thicker suit might be a good idea.

The first days are rough. Saturday, 15 August, we’ve got a tiny 1.2m swell from the SSE, but the wind is blowing cross-on, making it choppy and ugly. The combined energy is just 300, with a short 8-second period—weak and disorganized. Not worth the hassle.

Sunday into Monday is the same story—small waves, onshore wind, and energy never getting above 300. Tuesday is more of the same with a 7-second period.

Wednesday morning, 19 August, is our first real chance: the wind goes glassy—south at just 5 km/h—and we get 1.0m of SE swell. Energy is moderate at 195. It’s small and clean, surfable but not special. Crowds are a factor here, though—Bar Beach can be *often* busy, so expect company even on a small day.

Thursday morning (20 August) also offers a clean window with light NNW winds, cross-offshore, and a tiny 1.0m swell. The energy is weak at 95, but the surface is clean.

Then from Friday 21st through Tuesday 25th, it’s nearly flat—waves drop to 0.8m, then 0.4m, even 0.3m. Winds are good on Friday and Saturday, but there’s no swell to ride. Energy readings are in the 16–39 range—just a lull.

Now, things go from zero to hero mid-week. On Wednesday, 26 August, the swell jumps to 2.1m from the south, with a 10-second period and strong energy of 901. Wind is cross-shore with some chop—a solid call for intermediate surfers. Beginners should be careful at 2.1m.

Thursday, 27 August, is the big one—but it’s way too big for most. A 5.0m south swell at 12 seconds, with energy screaming at 11,067. The wind is cross but favorable for the size. This is strictly for experts. The wave period is long, so expect powerful sets and long lulls—paddle-outs will be gnarly. For a beach break like Bar Beach, those long-period groundswells can close out, but if you’re a kiter, that size with cross-wind is your jam.

Friday and Saturday continue with 4.0m to 3.0m swells, massive energy in the thousands, but wind and tide are marginal. Not clean.

The best all-around window for the average surfer is Wednesday morning, 26 August—2.1m, moderate cross-shore, decent energy. That’s your pick. For the big-wave crew, Thursday 27th is the highlight, but only if you’re experienced.

So, a long dry spell, then a huge pulse of energy that’s tricky to handle. The one standout day is the 26th.

Rusty.

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