Big Ben Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ at Big Ben over the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, this is a pretty quiet start. The first week, from Monday the 20th of July right through to Sunday the 26th, is a total write-off. We’re looking at tiny, weak, messy swells and cross-shore winds that never line up. The combined energy of all swells directed here is sitting in the low 100s to 180, which is just weak, listless energy. The water’s about 78°, with a temperature anomaly of -0.3°, so it’s about average for the time of year. There’s nothing to get excited about. You’d be better off staying home.

Now, things start to get interesting around Tuesday the 28th of July. A solid SSW groundswell pushes in with a 14-second period, and the wind swings cross-offshore. The swell hits 7 ft, and the combined energy jumps to 1835, which is a solid, punchy energy. The morning might be a bit lumpy, but that Tuesday afternoon looks clean. This is the first real standout. The swell is approaching 7 ft, so it’s getting into the zone where it’s better for experienced surfers, but the clean conditions with that offshore wind will make it a ripper session. The swell direction is from the SSW, which is a good match for the spot’s optimum SE direction, so it’s going to wrap in nicely.

Wednesday the 29th of July sees even more size, with a 10 ft SW groundswell and a 15-second period, and the energy rockets to 6005. But the wind goes onshore, and the commentary says the swell is predicted to be too big for this break. It’s a beach/jetty setup, and with that kind of power and a short window, it’s going to be raw and messy. This one is for the absolute experts only, and even then, it’s risky.

Thursday the 30th of July is a beauty. The swell drops just a touch to 8 ft from the SW with a 15-second period, and the wind goes *glassy*. That’s a major positive. The combined energy is still a massive 2914, so you’ve got power, but with glassy conditions, it’s going to be clean and hollow. This is another standout morning. The swell is over 8 ft, so this is expert territory, but if you’ve got the skills, this is the session to aim for.

Friday the 31st of July is just insane. We’re looking at 20 ft, 16-second swell from the S, with energy hitting 16561. That’s a monster. The wind is light onshore, but the break is going to be completely shut down by the size. This is not a surf day; it’s a watch-from-the-cliffs day.

The first weekend of August, the 1st and 2nd, is a mess. Strong onshore winds and a drop in quality. The swell is still big but wind-chopped and lumpy. By Monday the 3rd, the energy drops right back to the 200s and 300s, and it’s small, weak, and inconsistent again. The rest of the forecast is a slow fade.

So, the best on offer is clearly the Tuesday afternoon, the 28th of July, for the clean, punchy conditions, and the glassy Thursday morning, the 30th of July, for the power. Both are for experienced surfers. Don’t waste your time on the first week.

Rusty.

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