Big Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. The surf window is pretty quiet for the next few days, but there’s a solid run of waves building into the end of the week and beyond. Let’s break it down.

Right now, Monday afternoon into Tuesday is a write-off at Big Bay. We’ve got a fresh cross-onshore breeze and lumpy 5 to 6 ft NW windswell with short 7-second periods. Combined energy is weak at 563 (Monday) and 492 (Tuesday morning). The water temperature is 55°, which is 5° colder than normal for this time of year – that’s a notable chill, so you’ll want a thick wetsuit. Tuesday afternoon sees a pulse of longer period SW groundswell (16 seconds) and the combined energy jumps to 1218, but it’s still cross-onshore and lumpy. Not worth paddling out.

Wednesday the 16th and Thursday the 17th look cleaner with cross-off winds and 5 to 7 ft WSW/SW swell, periods around 12-13 seconds. But the wind is strong – 22 to 25 mph – so while it looks tidy from the beach, it’s going to be challenging out there. The combined energy is strong, between 1629 and 2327, but the score is marginal at best. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a relaxing paddle session. Beginners should sit this out; the swell is over 5 ft and pushing toward 7 ft, so it’s only for experienced surfers.

Friday the 18th morning is a standout. Offshore wind from the SE at 16 mph, 6 ft SW swell with an 11-second period, combined energy at 828 – moderate but clean. Conditions are described as moderate offshore and clean. This is the best of the early window: not huge, but clean, with good shape. Expect some crowd factor at Big Bay as it’s often busy.

Saturday the 19th morning is similar but smaller – 4 ft SW, 12 seconds, offshore wind. Clean but less energy. Sunday the 20th sees the wind turning cross-off again and the swell picking back up to 6 ft, but it’s not quite as good as Friday.

Now, into the following week: Monday the 21st morning has light cross-off wind, 4 ft WSW swell at 12 seconds, and combined energy of 487 – weak, but the wind is light and the surf is clean. Not a standout but a fun small-wave session.

The real highlight comes on Tuesday the 22nd. Tuesday morning has 4 ft SW swell at 13 seconds, light wind, and very good surf conditions. Combined energy is 901 – moderate. Tuesday afternoon is even better: 4 ft SSW groundswell, 13-second period, gentle breeze, and excellent conditions for experienced surfers. Combined energy jumps to 1120. This is the best on offer – clean, well-shaped waves with that longer period making for smooth, lined-up sets. The optimum swell direction is SW and the guidance says the break is exposed to SW, so this is a perfect match. Expect crowds to be likely.

Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th are both clean but smaller. Thursday morning is a nice surprise – 4 ft SW, 13 seconds, offshore ESE wind at 9 mph, very good conditions. Light crowd factor, clean waves.

The final weekend, the 27th and 28th, looks promising again. Sunday the 27th has offshore wind both morning and afternoon, 4 to 5 ft SW/WSW swell at 13 seconds, moderate energy, very good conditions. Monday the 28th morning has 3 ft SW swell with a very long 16-second period, light wind, very good conditions – a classic long-period groundswell that will wrap nicely into the point.

The second week has some smaller days, but Tuesday the 22nd and Sunday the 27th are the ones to circle. Friday the 18th is the best early option.

Rusty

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