Big Wave Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what Big Wave Bay has got cooking for us over the next couple of weeks.

Honestly, it’s a pretty grim stretch for the most part. We’re looking at a long, drawn-out period of flat, weak, or just plain messy conditions. The first wave of any real note doesn't show up until Wednesday morning, July 29th, and even then, it’s going to be a tricky one.

The water is sitting at a warm 83°F, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so at least you won't need a thick suit.

The first half of the window is a write-off. From Wednesday the 22nd right through to Tuesday the 28th, you’re looking at tiny, almost non-existent swell. The energy is barely a whisper (combined energy of all swells directed here is a measly 1 to 4). The wind is mostly cross-onshore, making it choppy and unappealing. There’s a brief moment on Saturday morning, July 25th, with a light cross-offshore that cleans things up, but with only 0.3 ft of swell, it’s not worth paddling out for.

The first real shot of size comes on Wednesday morning, July 29th. We’ve got a 10 ft swell from the east with a 9-second period. That’s a solid amount of energy (1500) and it will be offshore with a moderate breeze, meaning clean faces. This is a big swell, though—over 8 ft—so this is strictly for the experts. The wind is due to get nasty in the afternoon, so you’ll want to be on it first thing. The swell direction is from the east, which is not the optimum NE direction for this sheltered spot, but with that much water moving, it should still wrap in.

After that pulse, it drops back to nothing for a few days, with flat spells on July 30th and 31st. The next little window pops up on Monday morning, August 3rd. We’ve got 4 ft from the southeast at 6 seconds. The energy is moderate (136) and the wind is glassy—dead calm. That’s a rare gift. The waves will be small and soft, but clean. It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about. The afternoon gets messy with an onshore wind.

The best bet on offer, and really the only standout, is that Wednesday morning, July 29th. The 10 ft east swell with offshore winds is the closest thing to a proper session we’re going to get. If you’re an expert and you’re hungry, that’s your window. The rest of the time, it’s a waiting game. The second week of the forecast is mostly small, weak, and messy, so don’t hold your breath for a miracle.

- Rusty

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