Bonza Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way over the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got a bit of a wait for the good stuff. The first proper swell window kicks off Monday morning, but it’s a messy start. The water at our first spot is sitting at 63°F, which is a solid 5°F colder than normal for this time of year – that’s a noticeable chill, so you’ll want a good steamer.

Monday morning (14th September) is a washout for me. Bonza Bay is an exposed river mouth, and we’ve got a 12ft easterly swell with a 10-second period, but that’s way too much juice. The wind is a cross-shore from the ENE at 12 mph, creating a lumpy cross-chop. The combined swell energy is a massive 3995 (strong to very strong), and it’s just too big for this break. The afternoon glass-off is a heartbreaker – the wind drops to nothing, glassy conditions, and it’s still a 10ft swell. Same problem, too big to be any fun.

Tuesday morning (15th) comes in smaller, dropping to 6ft from the east at 11 seconds. But the wind has shifted to a cross-onshore from the SSE at 6 mph, and the reading is marginal. The combined energy is down to 857 (moderate). It’s not a total loss, but it’s not the pick. By Tuesday afternoon, it’s choppy and poor.

Wednesday (16th) is a write-off – strong cross-shore winds, rain, and a lot of lumpy, choppy mess. This pattern of poor conditions carries on right through until Saturday the 19th. We’ve got a run of lumpy, cross-onshore wind and rain, with swell sizes fluctuating between 4ft and 12ft. Nothing is clean.

Now, Saturday afternoon (19th September) is the standout of the whole forecast. The swell is still a solid 12ft from the east-southeast with an 11-second period, but the wind swings to a moderate cross-shore from the ENE at 16 mph. The combined energy is a very strong 3251. The wind and tide are favorable here, and while it’s big, if you’re an experienced surfer, this is where you want to be. It’s an exposed river mouth, so the size will handle the period well, and the cross-shore wind tidies things up. The crowds can be around at times, so get in early.

Sunday (20th) is a step down. The wind is light cross-onshore, and the swell drops to 8ft. It’s marginal, better for a longboard. After that, we get another stretch of messy conditions. Monday 21st sees a big south swell at 10ft with a 9-second period, but the wind is a strong cross-shore from the SW at 28 mph. It’s a kite-surfing setup more than a paddle-surfing one, with that much wind and chop.

The second week is quiet. Tuesday 22nd to Sunday 27th offers small, marginal swells between 3ft and 6ft, mostly with cross-onshore or lumpy winds. The water is cold and the energy is low – combined energy stays under 800 the whole time. Nothing to get excited about. Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th round out a frustrating finish with choppy, cross-onshore wind and small, weak swell.

So, to put it simply: the only real shot you’ve got is Saturday afternoon (19th September) at Bonza Bay for the bigger, cleaner east swell. Get out there if you can handle the size. The rest of the window is a mixed bag of wind, rain, and messy surf. Stay patient.

Rusty.

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