Big Ben Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Let's be straight with you - Big Ben isn't showing much love for the next couple of weeks. It's a beach/jetty setup that's exposed to the swell, but the conditions are just not lining up for a decent paddle. The water temp is sitting at 78°F, which is about average for this time of year, so at least you won't be freezing your arse off.

We kick off Sunday the 19th of July with some clouds and a cross-on wind from the south at 9 mph. There's a 3ft east swell rolling in with a 9-second period, and the combined energy is moderate (252). But it's messy and choppy - not worth getting wet for. Monday the 20th is much the same story, with a light cross-shore wind and smaller 3ft east swell. The energy drops to 139 in the morning, picks up a bit in the afternoon to 208, but it's all cross-chop and poor surf.

Tuesday the 21st of July sees the swell bump up to 4ft from the east with an 11-second period, giving a moderate energy of 352. The morning has a light cross-shore wind, but it's still rated as marginal at best. The afternoon gets chopped up by a 12 mph cross-shore wind. Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd are more of the same - small, weak swell around 3ft to 3ft with cross or cross-on winds. Nothing to get excited about.

Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th are flat and weak. The swell drops to 1ft to 2ft, and while the period jumps to 16 seconds on Saturday, the energy is still moderate (179) but the swell is tiny and the wind is rubbish. Sunday the 26th of July has a risk of thunderstorms and a 1ft SE swell with a long 15-second period, but the cross-on wind and poor conditions mean you're better off doing something else.

Now, there's a bit of a gap in quality, but then we get into late July and early August. Monday the 27th of July the swell shifts to the south at 2ft to 3ft with an 11-second period, but it's still marginal. The energy picks up to 296 in the afternoon.

Here's where it gets interesting. Tuesday the 28th of July morning shows a 5ft SSW swell with a 14-second period, and the combined energy jumps to 1058 - that's strong wave energy. The wind is light and cross-shore, so it could be clean. But the surf is still rated as marginal, and the swell is a bit on the bigger side for a beginner spot. By the afternoon, the swell hits 5ft and the wind goes offshore, but it's still only a 3/10 call. The crowd factor is "sometimes" here, so you might have some company.

Wednesday the 29th of July through to Friday the 31st of July sees the swell pumping at 7ft to 7ft from the SSW with a 14-second period, with energy readings over 1700 - that's very strong. But the wind is moderate to fresh cross-shore, creating a lumpy cross-chop. At 7ft, this is really only for experts, and the conditions aren't clean. The best bet might be Tuesday the 28th of July afternoon, with that 5ft SSW swell and offshore wind, giving you the cleanest conditions of the whole period. But it's still just a marginal call.

Saturday the 1st of August sees the biggest swell of the run at 7ft from the SW with a 16-second period, energy at 2394 - very strong. But the wind is cross-on and choppy, scoring a 0. So that's a pass.

Sunday the 2nd of August and Monday the 3rd of August the swell drops back to 5ft to 6ft, but the wind remains cross-on, keeping things messy.

Honestly, the standout here is Tuesday the 28th of July afternoon. The 5ft SSW groundswell (14-second period) with light offshore wind gives you the cleanest window. That long period will mean better shaped waves, but at a beach/jetty, it might break a bit straight. Still, it's the best on offer. The rest of the period is either too small, too windy, or too big and messy. If you're a kite surfer, the strong winds and decent swell from the 29th of July onwards might look more interesting than paddle surfing.

Alright, that's the call. Keep your eyes on the forecasts, things can change.

Rusty.

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