Big Ben Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and I’ve been sifting through the numbers for Big Ben. This is a tricky one. The swell is enormous for the first few days, and this spot is a beach/jetty that’s inconsistent and only for beginners when it’s tiny. From the 4th of August, we’re looking at 12ft to 13ft of SE swell with a long period of 15-16 seconds, and the combined energy is massive (6398 to 7353). That’s way too big for a beginner spot, and the cross-shore winds are going to wreck it. The water temperature is 82°, which is a touch warmer than normal.

So, we’ve got a gap. From the 4th through the 8th, it’s either too big or the conditions are poor. The 7th and 8th drop to 8ft-8ft, but the wind is onshore and the scores are low. The first real chance comes on the 10th of August. Monday morning, the swell drops to 7ft from the SW with a very long 17-second period, and the wind goes cross-offshore from the NNE. That’s clean. The energy is still solid (4838). It’s still a bit big for a beginner, but the long-period groundswell could give some nice lines if the jetty works. The afternoon is similar, with a fresh breeze, but still clean. That’s the best window early on.

The 12th of August brings 8ft E swell with a 12-13 second period and clean cross-off winds, but the energy is lower (2611). It’s rideable. Then things get small. The 13th has a tiny 6ft E swell, but the wind is light and cross-off in the afternoon, with low energy (905). The forecast says “very good surf conditions,” but it’s weak.

The 18th of August is a tease. Tuesday morning, we’ve got 12ft of ESE swell with a 12-second period and cross-offshore winds. The energy is 3484, and the wind is clean. But again, it’s too big for a beginner break. If you’re an expert, it might be fun, but the cross-shore chop will be messy.

The only standout I can see is the 10th of August, Monday morning. The 7ft SW swell, very long period, and clean cross-off winds make for the best chance of a clean, lined-up wave at the jetty. It’s still big, but it’s the best on offer. The crowds are “sometimes” an issue, so keep an eye out. The 18th is a close second, but only for the experienced.

So, there’s plenty of swell, but not much quality. The first few days are a washout, and the second week fades into small, choppy stuff. The forecasts can change, but right now, the 10th is your window. Rusty out.

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