Big Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for Big Bay. This stretch of coast is exposed to the southwest, and we’ve got a run of solid groundswell on the way, but it’s not all smooth sailing – the wind is gonna be the main character in this story.

First thing you’ll notice, the water is sitting at 53°, which is a whopping 7° colder than normal for this time of year. That’s not just a little nippy, that’s a full-on ice bath. Don’t even think about it without a thick hood and boots.

The action kicks off this Sunday, 6th September. We’ve got a clean 6 ft SW groundswell rolling in with a very long 16-second period, and a light offshore breeze out of the SE. The energy is strong at 1803, and it’s shaping up for experienced surfers only – this is some proper, powerful stuff. The swell direction is bang on the money for the optimum for this break.

Monday morning, 7th September, is the standout of the whole first week. The swell dips just a touch to 7 ft from the SW, still with a solid 14-second period, but the wind goes glassy out of the WNW. That’s the kind of dawn patrol you dream about – clean, lined-up, and with plenty of energy (1505) in the water. The crowds are often at Big Bay, so get there early if you want a piece of that.

Monday afternoon sees the wind switch to a cross-shore from the SSW, making things a bit more average, and the condition drops off. Tuesday morning, 8th September, it goes glassy again with a smaller 3 ft WSW swell – a nice, clean option for the intermediates, but nothing to write home about energy-wise (476).

By Thursday, 10th September, we’re looking at a serious pulse. The morning brings a 10 ft SW swell with a 16-second period – that’s a beast. The energy reading is massive at 4467. The wind is a clean cross-offshore from the S. This is expert territory only. If you’re not confident in the big stuff, stay on the beach and watch. The afternoon is still solid at 8 ft, but the wind picks up to 25 km/h and gets a bit messy.

The weekend of 12th and 13th September is a write-off. The wind goes onshore and howling, and while the swell is still there, the conditions are poor. The 13th is a total loss with fresh onshore winds.

We then hit a bit of a lull mid-week. The 14th and 15th are blown out or onshore, with a brief spike to 10 ft on the 15th that’s hopelessly choppy thanks to a cross-onshore wind.

The real redemption comes late in the second week. Thursday, 17th September is a beauty. The afternoon session has a 5 ft SW swell with a 12-second period, and a clean offshore wind from the ESE at 20 km/h. The energy is solid at 1325, and the conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. This is your second standout – a classic, clean offshore day.

Friday, 18th September morning is still clean with a light breeze and a 5 ft SW swell. It’s a bit smaller, but very rideable. The following weekend, 19th and 20th September, gets messy again with onshore flow and some rain, though there’s still size in the water.

Finally, Monday, 21st September closes out the forecast with a solid note. A clean 6 ft SW swell, light offshore breeze from the south, and excellent conditions. The energy is moderate at 976, but the quality should be there for a good session.

So, to sum it up: Monday 7th September morning is your absolute best bet for the first week – glassy, solid groundswell, and clean. For the second week, Thursday 17th September afternoon is the one to circle – offshore winds and reliable swell. Everything else is a bit of a gamble with the wind, but there are waves to be had if you pick your moments.

Stay warm, and keep an eye on that wind.

Rusty.

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