Big Rock Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s be straight up – the next two weeks at Big Rock are a tough watch. For the most part, the swell’s small and the wind’s not doing us any favours. The water’s sitting at 73° which is a solid 5° warmer than usual for this time of year, so you’ll be in for a warm one if you paddle out, but the waves just aren’t cooperating.

We kick off Sunday the 16th of August with a 3ft swell from the SW, but it’s a cross-on breeze mucking things up. That combined wave energy’s moderate at 459, but the 15-second period is too long for this reef setup, making it awkward. The conditions are poor, and honestly, it’s not worth the paddle. Monday and Tuesday stay similar – tiny 3ft to 2ft swells, same SW direction, and that cross-onshore wind keeps the surface messy. You won’t miss much those days.

Mid-week from Wednesday the 19th to Friday the 21st is a flat spell. The swells drop into the 2ft range, with energy readings falling to 205 by Friday. The wind is light, sometimes offshore, but the surf is marginal at best. Friday afternoon gets a slight tick with a 1 out of 10 score, but honestly, it’s only good if you’re desperate for a splash.

Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd don’t get any better. Swells sit at 1ft to 2ft, with long periods up to 19 seconds – that means close-outs at this reef. The energy’s moderate, 350 to 362, but without decent swell height, it’s a tease. The wind is light and occasionally offshore on Sunday afternoon, so it’s the cleanest you’ll see, but there’s hardly a wave to ride.

The first real glimmer comes at the very end. Saturday the 29th of August shows swelling a touch to 3ft from the SW, with a 16-second period and combined energy up to 531 – that’s moderate but on the stronger side for this period. The wind is light cross-onshore, so it’s still not glassy, but it’s the best on offer. The score nudges to 2 out of 10 on Saturday afternoon, and that’s your standout. The swell direction from the SW is bang on what this break wants, so if you’re keen, that afternoon is your window. Expect some crowds though – Big Rock can get busy when it shows a pulse.

Sunday the 30th of August hangs in at 3ft, same SW direction, but the wind swings cross-shore and it gets a bit choppy. The energy stays up at 485, but the surf’s still marginal. Monday the 31st sees it fade back to 3ft and 405 energy, with light breezes – rideable but nothing to get excited about.

There’s a long gap of poor surf from the 16th all the way through to the 29th, almost two weeks of nothing doing. It’s one of those blank runs that feels like the ocean’s on holiday. The only real chance to wet your line is that Saturday afternoon the 29th. Otherwise, keep your board in the car and wait for a better forecast.

Rusty.

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