Big Ben Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

We’re looking at a pretty up-and-down 16 days. The first few days are small, but there’s some serious size coming later. The water is sitting at a toasty 81°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – feels like a bath.

The only spot on the radar is Big Ben (beach/jetty). It’s an exposed spot, so it catches just about everything, but it’s inconsistent, meaning you’ve gotta be patient.

Tuesday, July 28th kicks off with a glassy 3ft from the ENE, but the energy is weak (170). It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about. The afternoon goes flat with a poor 2ft and cross-onshore wind.

Wednesday, July 29th morning is the first real standout. Glassy conditions with a 6ft SW swell. The period is short at 6 seconds, so it’ll be a bit lumpy, but the energy is solid (388) and with clean glass, it’s your best early bet. The afternoon drops to 3ft and goes cross-offshore.

Thursday, July 30th is tiny again – 2ft and 2ft – glassy but weak energy (79 and 67). Not worth paddling out.

Friday, July 31st through Saturday, August 1st is a write-off. Dropping below 2ft with cross or cross-onshore winds. Just a flat spell.

Sunday, August 2nd we see a change. The morning brings a 4ft, 16-second groundswell from the ESE. The energy jumps to 686 (moderate). The period is long, so it will be walled up at a beach break, but the wind is onshore, so it’s tricky. The afternoon gets a 5ft, 15-second swell with even more energy (1154), but same onshore wind issue.

Monday, August 3rd the swell builds. 8ft in the morning, 8ft in the afternoon from the ESE. The period is very long (16-17 seconds), with massive energy (2896-4587). This is getting into powerful territory, but with onshore wind, it’s going to be a messy, powerful close-out. Not for the faint-hearted.

Tuesday, August 4th is the big one. We’re looking at a 15ft SE swell with an 18-second period in the morning. The energy is off the charts (12208). The wind is cross-shore, so it’s not terrible, but honestly, 15ft at a beach/jetty? That’s only for experts. The afternoon hits 18ft with cross-onshore wind. This is more of a show than a surf.

Wednesday, August 5th is even bigger. 28ft SE swell with a 17-second period and energy over 38000. That’s a massive, dangerous swell. With cross-onshore wind, this is a full-on ocean event. If you’re not a top-tier charger, stay on the beach.

Thursday, August 6th through Friday, August 7th the swell drops but it’s messy. 10ft to 18ft with moderate cross-onshore winds and poor conditions. Not recommended.

Saturday, August 8th drops to 5-5ft from the south, but period is short (8 seconds) and the wind is onshore. Still poor.

Sunday, August 9th picks up a bit. 5ft from the east, 13-second period (1135 energy). The wind is cross-shore, so it’s clean-ish. This is a possible session, but the afternoon gets a strong breeze.

Monday, August 10th and Tuesday, August 11th are back to small, messy, or windy. Not worth it.

Wednesday, August 12th gives a last gasp: 5ft from the east, 11-second period (742 energy) with a cross-offshore wind. Clean conditions. If you’re desperate, that morning might be a fun little session.

The best on offer: The glassy 6ft on Wednesday, July 29th morning is the pick of the first week. For the big stuff, Sunday, August 9th morning with the 5ft east swell and cross-shore wind is the only decent window in the second week.

Rusty.

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