Big Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s ahead for Big Bay.

We’ve got a solid run of SW groundswell on the charts starting this weekend, and for the most part, it’s a setup that’s going to favour experienced surfers. The water’s sitting at 56°F, which is much colder than normal for this time of year, so you’ll want the thickest rubber you’ve got if you’re paddling out at Big Bay.

This Saturday morning kicks things off with a 6ft SW swell at 14 seconds, and a moderate cross-off breeze. The combined energy is strong (1773), so there’s plenty of push. It’s a little on the messy side with that wind, but it’s surfable. Saturday afternoon picks up: 8ft SW at 16 seconds, a fresh offshore wind, and the energy jumps to 3383 – that’s proper strong. Clean, powerful, and punchy. For experienced surfers only at that size.

Sunday is where it really cleans up. Morning sees 6ft SW at 14 seconds, with a gentle offshore breeze from the ESE. That’s clean, lined-up, and the energy is still strong (1537). This is the standout window of the first week – excellent conditions for those who know what they’re doing. Sunday afternoon stays clean with 6ft SW.

Monday takes a turn. The wind swings NNW and gets nasty. Morning is 4ft SW but cross-on and choppy. Monday afternoon jumps to 7ft from the NW with a short period of 7 seconds – that’s junky, lumpy, and messy. Poor conditions through to Wednesday morning. Wednesday morning brings back 6ft SW and a cross-off wind, but it’s labelled marginal. The energy is still strong (2217), but the quality isn’t there.

Thursday morning is a bright spot – 6ft SW at 12 seconds with a moderate offshore wind. Clean, good energy (1159). Another call for experienced surfers. Thursday afternoon and Friday are clean but not quite as good.

After that, we hit a gap. From Tuesday the 22nd through to Friday the 25th, the wind is onshore or cross-shore and the surf is small or poor. A solid three to four day lull. Don’t bother paddling out then.

Then, on Saturday the 26th, we get a real curveball. A very long period SW groundswell rolls in – 3ft at 20 seconds in the morning, and 4ft at 19 seconds in the afternoon. That’s a lot of period for not a lot of height. Energy is moderate (1415 and 1567). This kind of long-period groundswell can be weird at a beach break – tends to jack up and close out or go too straight. Might be better for a point or reef, but here at Big Bay, it’s a bit of a wildcard.

Finally, Sunday the 27th brings one more late standout: 8ft from the WSW at 16 seconds, cross-off wind, and very strong energy (2874). Clean, powerful, and big. That’s a legitimate swell for the brave and the skilled. But it’s at the very end of the window, so it’s promising but less certain.

If I had to pick one true standout: Sunday morning, September 13th. 6ft SW, 14 seconds, gentle offshore, clean, and full of power. That’s the one. For a late runner, Sunday September 27th morning is worth watching too.

Rusty.

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