Big Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at what we’ve got on the horizon for Big Beach.

The overall pattern starts off a bit shaky, with a mix of onshore and cross-off winds chopping up the swell. We’ve got moderate wave energy (in the 600s to 400s) early on, but the wind is just not playing ball for clean, lined-up waves. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so nothing unusual there.

Sunday, July 5th kicks things off with a 3ft SSW swell coming in at a very long 18-second period. That’s proper groundswell energy, with combined energy at 631 – that’s a solid, moderate push. The problem is the wind. It’s a cross-off on the morning, but it’s a moderate breeze at 12 mph, and while it’s “offshore” in the afternoon, it’s still 16 mph. That’s enough to put a bit of a bump on the surface. The swell direction is SSW, but the optimum for Big Beach is WSW, so it’s not hitting the bank perfectly. The wave comment says “marginal surf forecast” for the morning, and the afternoon says “good surf conditions,” but with that wind strength, it’s going to be a bit of a battle. The period is so long (18 seconds) that the sets will be rarer and more powerful, but at a beach break like this, it might break a bit too straight. Not the standout.

Monday, July 6th is similar: 3ft SSW, periods dropping to 16 seconds, and energy down to 453. The wind is still cross-off and offshore, but still 16 mph. The wave comment turns “marginal.” It’s surfable, but you’ll be working for it.

The real turnaround starts to show on Saturday, July 11th. The swell drops to 2ft, but it shifts to the SW – much closer to the optimum WSW direction. The period jumps back to 18 seconds, and the combined energy is 267. The wind is a clean, offshore 16 mph from the NE. The wave comment says “expect good surf conditions” for both morning and afternoon. This is looking promising. A 2ft SW groundswell with an 18-second period, hitting that optimum direction, with offshore wind – that’s going to produce some clean, glassy peaks. The energy is moderate, but the quality will be there. This is a strong candidate for the best on offer.

Then Sunday, July 12th and Monday, July 13th keep the momentum going. On Sunday, the swell bumps up to 3ft SW, 16-second period, energy at 457, with a gentle breeze (9 mph) from the ENE in the morning, which is a clean cross-off. The wave comment is “good surf conditions.” Monday morning, it’s a gentle offshore breeze (9 mph ENE) with the same 3ft SW swell and 15-second period. The energy is 441. This is consistently good.

Tuesday, July 14th is another standout. The swell shifts to a 2ft W swell with a very long 18-second period. The combined energy climbs to 583 – that’s a nice, solid pulse. The wind is a gentle cross-off from the E at 9 mph in the morning. The wave comment says “expect good surf conditions.” That’s a proper, clean, long-period groundswell hitting from the west. The direction matches the optimum perfectly. The wind is light, the energy is strong, and the period is dreamy. For a spot like Big Beach, a west swell is the money direction. This is the absolute highlight of the outlook. The size is small enough for a beginner to handle, but the period and light wind will make it incredibly fun for everyone.

Wednesday, July 15th and Thursday, July 16th are also good. Wednesday morning has a 2ft W swell, 16-second period, energy at 532, with a gentle 9 mph cross-off. Thursday morning has a 2ft W swell, 15-second period, energy at 322, with a light 6 mph breeze. Both are clean and surfable.

After that, the swell drops and the energy fades into the 200s and 100s as we head into the second week, with mostly ordinary conditions and smaller, weaker swell. Nothing to write home about.

So, for the best on offer: Tuesday, July 14th is the true standout. That 2ft, 18-second W swell with a light E breeze is going to be pristine. It’s the best wave quality of the whole run. Saturday, July 11th through Monday, July 13th are also excellent, with that SW swell and clean offshore winds.

Stay safe out there, and don’t sleep on that Tuesday morning session.

Rusty

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