Big Ben Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’ve got a bit of a tricky run ahead for Big Ben, a beach/jetty spot that’s exposed to the swell. The next 16 days are a mixed bag, with a lot of marginal surf and less-than-ideal conditions. The best window looks like it’s going to be a stand-out early on, but you’ll have to be patient.

The first real chance to get wet kicks off on Friday, August 7th, but it’s not exactly a dream. We’ve got a 7ft S swell rolling in with a 12-second period, which gives it some decent energy (1590). The problem is the wind is on it from the SSE at 6 mph, and there’s a risk of thunderstorms. It’s a bit of a mission, but the size is there for a beginner-friendly wave. The afternoon cleans up a bit with clear skies, but the wind picks up to 9 mph from the same direction, still onshore. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

Saturday, August 8th, the swell drops to 5ft, shifting around to the SSW in the morning. It’s cleaner with a light SE breeze, but the energy is down (880). The afternoon sees a shift to an ESE swell with a longer 13-second period, pumping the energy back up to 1100, but the wind is still onshore. It’s a bit of a wait-and-see day.

Sunday, August 9th is the one to circle. The morning has a 6ft ESE swell, 13-second period, and a light cross-shore wind from the ENE at 6 mph. The energy is solid (1533), and the "light cross-shore with small crossing wind ripples" means it’s not perfect, but it’s the cleanest we’ve seen. This is the best on offer for the first week. The afternoon gets a bit choppier as the wind swings more onshore.

Monday, August 10th morning has a clean 7ft E swell, with a cross-offshore wind from the NNE at 12 mph. The energy is high (1452), and the conditions are clean. But the afternoon gets a bit messy with a cross-shore breeze.

Then we hit a rough patch. Tuesday, August 11th through Thursday, August 13th sees a lot of onshore or strong cross-offshore winds, and the swell is either too big for beginners or just not well-shaped. The 8ft ENE swell on Tuesday morning is too big for a beginner spot, and the energy is very strong (2595). By Wednesday, August 12th, the swell drops to 3ft, and the energy is weak (465). It’s a total gap in quality surf.

Thursday, August 13th and Friday, August 14th bring some size back, but the wind is either onshore or cross-off, keeping it messy. The real standout for the second week is Sunday, August 16th morning. We’ve got a 10ft E swell, 11-second period, and a light cross-shore wind from the ENE at 6 mph. The energy is massive (1936). However, the file says it’s predicted to be too big for this break. This is for experts only.

Monday, August 17th morning is even bigger, with a 10ft E swell and 19 mph cross-offshore winds. The energy is through the roof (3071), but again, it’s too big for most. The rest of that week is a mix of solid swell and strong winds, with the period dropping off. By Friday, August 21st, we get a glimmer of hope: a 3ft S swell with a 12-second period, and glassy conditions. The energy is low (398), but it’s the only "good surf conditions" call in the whole run. It’s a fun little window for the longboard or a log.

Overall, the best bet is Sunday, August 9th morning for the most consistent, clean-ish waves. The second week is for the brave and experienced, with some massive, powerful swells. If you’re a beginner, this 16-day window is a write-off, but for the pros, the 16th and 17th will be a spectacle.

Stay salty,
Rusty

Read more