Bennion Beach Cleggies Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’ll be straight with you – this Bennion Beach Cleggies (reef) outlook is a bit of a wrestle. The first week and a half is mostly a write-off, but we’ve got a couple of real gems hiding in the back half if you’re patient and know what you’re doing.

The pattern starts with a massive pulse of long-period swell that’s just too damn big for this setup. We’re talking a solid 10ft to 16ft of WSW groundswell with periods over 15 seconds, and the combined energy is insane – hitting 5002 and even spiking to 11089 on the 8th of August. That’s way too much juice for this reef; the file says it’s too big, and I’m telling you, it’s a washing machine. The winds are all over the shop too – cross-onshore, onshore, sometimes a fresh breeze up to 25 mph. It’s messy, choppy, and honestly, more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing on those days.

There’s a big gap with no real surf on offer from the 5th of August right through to the 11th of August. The water, by the way, is sitting at 64°F on the first day, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – about 3°F chillier, so maybe grab a thicker suit.

Then, on the 12th of August, Wednesday morning, things finally flip. The swell drops to a more manageable 8ft from the SW, period still a very long 16 seconds, and the combined energy is a strong 3052. But the kicker is the wind: light offshore from the E at 6 mph. The conditions are clean. This is excellent for experienced surfers – the longer period means better shaped waves, but at a reef, it’ll be lining up proper. This is the standout. Crowds are often at this spot, so expect company.

The 13th of August, Thursday morning, is another beauty. Swell is 7ft from the SW, period 17 seconds, energy 3949, with a light NE cross-offshore breeze at 6 mph. Clean again. This is top-tier, experienced-only stuff. The offshore wind and that long groundswell are a dream combo for a reef. This is the second standout.

After that, things get marginal again. The 14th and 15th have some clean-ish windows but smaller swell, and winds get a bit funky. From the 16th of August onwards, another big pulse of swell hits – 10ft to 15ft – and the winds turn nasty again, with strong cross-onshore and lumpy conditions. There’s a tease on the 20th of August, Thursday morning, with a clean offshore wind from the E, but the swell is 10ft to 12ft and the file says it’s too big for the break again. So, if you’re not an expert, just sit this one out.

So, bottom line: wait for the 12th and 13th of August mornings. That’s your window. It’s for experienced surfers only – over 8ft and a very long period, so it’ll be powerful and not for the faint-hearted. The rest of the window is a bust.

Rusty.

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