Big Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's talk about what this stretch has in store for us. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, but there is a window that’ll get you out of the house.

The overall pattern is a slow start. For the first few days, the swell is there but it’s a bit messy with the wind. It’s not a total washout, but you’ll need to be patient and pick your moments. The real highlight, if things line up, looks to be early next week.

We’re looking at Big Beach as our only option here. The water temperature is sitting at a warm 80°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so no surprises there.

So, starting with Friday, July 24th, the morning is a no-go. We’ve got a clean looking 3ft swell from the SSW, with a very long 18-second period, giving us moderate wave energy (599). The problem is the 16 mph cross-offshore wind from the ENE. It’s just too breezy to be any good. The afternoon is a little better, 3ft swell, but still that cross-off wind keeps it from being a standout.

Saturday, July 25th is where things start to look up. The morning is still iffy, but by the afternoon, the wind shifts to pure offshore at 16 mph. We get a clean 3ft SSW swell (708 energy) and an 18-second period. The wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions”. This is the first real window of the outlook. The swell direction is almost right for the break, and that offshore wind will make for some clean, long lines.

Sunday, July 26th is a solid runner-up. A gentle offshore breeze from the NE at 9 mph, with 3ft SSW swell. It’s clean, it’s consistent, and the energy (483) is still decent. A nice, mellow day for a longboard.

We then hit a lull. Monday, July 28th through to Wednesday, August 6th is a long stretch of poor to marginal conditions. The swell drops below 2ft, the period gets short, and the wind is never really your friend. The energy numbers tumble into the 100s. It’s a real “hang the board up” kind of period. There’s about a week-long gap here where I wouldn't bother.

Now, for the long-range promise. We’re looking at Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th. This is the standout period. On Friday the 7th afternoon, we get a light offshore breeze from the NE at only 6 mph, and the swell builds back to 2ft but with a very, very long 20-second period (296 energy). It’s clean.

Then Saturday, August 8th looks the best of the whole outlook. Morning sees 3ft SSW swell with a 18-second period, moderate energy (605), and a light 6 mph cross-offshore breeze. The afternoon stays similar with 3ft. This is the one to circle on the calendar. With that long period, the wave shape should be good, especially on a spot like Big Beach which is exposed to it, but be aware that a long-period swell (over 15 seconds) can sometimes break a bit straight on a beach break. Still, for the area, this is the best we’re going to get.

So, to wrap it up: ignore the next few days. Saturday the 25th afternoon is a go. Then forget about it until the first weekend of August. Make your plans for Saturday, August 8th – that’s your best bet by a long shot. It’s a way off, so keep an eye on it, but the signals are good.

Stay stoked, and I’ll see you in the water.

Rusty

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