Big Ben Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s break down Big Ben in feet and miles per hour.

The first part of this forecast is mostly a bust. From Monday the 27th of July through the end of the month and into the start of August, there’s just nothing worth paddling for. Tiny swell, weak energy, and the wind is all over the place—cross-shore, onshore, and choppy. You’re better off staying dry.

On Sunday the 2nd of August, we finally see some life. A long-period groundswell from the southeast shows up, 15-second intervals, with about 2ft of surf and energy at 507. But the wind is cross-shore and conditions are marginal. Sunday afternoon bumps to a bit over 4ft, energy 823, but it’s still bumpy with cross-onshore wind.

By Monday the 3rd of August, the swell builds to around 7ft in the morning, 8ft in the afternoon, with long 16–17 second periods. Energy readings are up around 2525 to 2977. That’s a lot of juice, but the cross-onshore wind and rain mean it’s a mess for paddling. If you’re on a kite, maybe, but for a surfboard? Not worth it.

Then comes the big pulse. From Tuesday the 4th of August onward, the swell just explodes. Tuesday morning: 10ft of 17-second groundswell from the ESE, energy 6409, with a light cross-offshore wind. Tuesday afternoon goes glassy, 12ft, energy 6656. But the forecast notes that the swell is too big for the break. It stays that way for days: Wednesday the 5th (12ft, glassy), Thursday the 6th (13ft+), Friday the 7th (18ft+), Saturday the 8th (31ft!), Sunday the 9th (15ft). Energy readings go through the roof, up to 52,307. Winds are often light or glassy, so conditions would be pristine, but the size is extreme. At a beach/jetty setup with 18-second groundswell from the southeast, it’s going to close out hard and fast. This is strictly for big-wave specialists with proper support.

The true standout is Wednesday the 5th of August morning: glass-calm, 12ft of long-period groundswell, energy 7106. If you’re an expert, that’s as good as it gets. For everyone else, it’s a spectator sport.

Monday the 10th of August sees the swell drop to around 10ft in the morning, period down to 9 seconds, but the wind turns cross-onshore and choppy again. By Monday arvo and Tuesday the 11th, the swell is around 7–8ft but the wind is moderate and onshore, with poor conditions returning.

Water temp at Big Ben is about 81°, which is a touch above average for the time of year—roughly 2° warmer than normal. Not crazy, but noticeable when you’re sitting out there waiting for sets.

Crowds can show up at Big Ben sometimes, so expect company when the waves are decent. But on the monster days, most folks will be watching from the beach.

So to sum it up: first week is a dud. Then a massive, clean swell window for experts only—best shot is Wednesday the 5th of August. After that, it fades into choppy, mediocre surf. If you’re not charging big waves, this isn’t your week.

Rusty.

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