Big Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and I’ve got the lowdown on Big Bay. This spot is a solid, exposed SW-facing bay, and it’s about to get a proper run of groundswell, but you’ve gotta pick your times. The water’s sittin’ at 55°F with a 5°F anomaly, which is *much* colder than normal for this time of year, so don’t even think about a spring suit – you’ll want the thickest wetsuit you’ve got, and maybe a hood.

Right now, we’re lookin’ at a bit of a gap before the real fun starts. Thursday afternoon (3rd) shows a messy 12ft S swell with a short 9-second period and 28 mph cross-off winds. The combined energy is a hefty 2295 (strong wave energy), but the conditions are marginal, and that’s a lot of swell for a bay with these winds. It’s a pass for me.

Friday (4th) is cleaner. Morning brings 8ft SSE swell with offshore SE winds (22 mph) and a clean face. Energy is 1116 (moderate-to-strong). Still a bit big for beginners, but intermediates will be happy. The afternoon bumps up to 10ft SSE, but it swings cross-off, so it’s a bit messier. Saturday (5th) morning drops to 7ft SSE with lighter cross-off breezes, energy down to 845 (moderate). The afternoon is the real sleeper on this day: 3ft S swell, 10-second period, and true offshore winds. Energy is 467 (moderate), but it’s clean and glassy. A nice little session for the logs.

The standout is Sunday morning, 6th September. This is the one. We’ve got a 7ft SW groundswell with an 18-second period – that’s very long period, loads of energy. The combined energy is a massive 2885 (strong wave energy). And the wind? Gentle offshore from the ESE. It’s clean, it’s powerful, and the conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. This is a proper groundswell, so look for it to peel nicely at the points and reefs. Afternoon holds 6ft SW, 16 seconds, still clean with light winds. Energy is 1931 (strong). This is the best on offer.

Monday (7th) is a write-off. Onshore winds and messy conditions. Tuesday (8th) is small and choppy. There’s a bit of a lull until Wednesday (9th) morning, which offers a clean 4ft WSW swell with cross-off breezes and energy at 510 (moderate). It’s a ‘very good’ call, but it’s small. Thursday (10th) and Friday (11th) are marginal with building wind.

The next real shot comes Sunday, 13th September. The morning shows 5ft SW groundswell, 12-second period, and offshore E winds. Energy is 1466 (strong). The conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. The afternoon is even better with 5ft SW, 13 seconds, and light cross-off breezes, energy at 1575 (strong). This is a solid, clean day.

Monday (14th) is a bust again with onshore wind and lumpy 7ft+ swell. The following week has a few promising windows. Friday, 18th September finishes the run strong: 6ft SW swell, 14-second period, and clean offshore winds from the SE/ESE both morning and afternoon. Energy is 1425 (strong) – another excellent day for experienced surfers.

Overall, the first week has a few good days, but Sunday the 6th is the absolute standout – big, clean, and powerful. The second week has a couple of solid days too, especially the 13th and 18th, but as always, long-range forecasts are a bit more of a gamble. The gaps between the good days are about 2-3 days of weaker surf or bad wind, so keep an eye on the charts. The crowds at Big Bay are often an issue, so get in early for the standouts.

Rusty.

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