Buffalo Bay Wildside Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty here with a look at what’s shaping up at Buffalo Bay Wildside. We’ve got a bit of a mixed bag over the next couple of weeks, with some real highlights if you time it right, but also some big, gnarly stuff that’s only for the brave.

The water’s sitting at 60°F, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year—so definitely bring a thicker suit if you’re heading out.

Thursday 27th August afternoon kicks things off with a solid 5ft south swell, period around 12 seconds, and a light ESE cross-off breeze. The combined swell energy is pumping at 1333 (moderate to strong). It’s clean and good for experienced surfers—this is a standout window, but don’t expect it to be empty; crowds are sometimes an issue here.

Friday 28th is a tale of two sessions. The morning is messy with a cross-on WSW breeze and only marginal conditions—skip it. But Friday afternoon glassed right off, with a light SSW breeze making it glassy. Swell drops a little to 4ft from the south, but it’s still got that 11-second period and clean face—very good surf for the patient.

Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th are mostly poor to marginal, with onshore winds and weaker swell. Not worth getting excited about.

Monday 31st is poor again—moderate cross-onshore chop with 5ft swell—just leave it.

Then Tuesday 1st September—now we’re talking. The morning shows an 8ft SW swell, 12-second period, and light cross-on wind. It’s clean enough, but that’s getting big for intermediates—8ft is expert territory. The afternoon is the real gem: glassy conditions, 8ft SW swell, and glassy—this is excellent for experienced surfers. That’s a true standout, with strong energy (1658). Paddle out if you’ve got the skill.

Wednesday 2nd September is for the bonkers crew only—20ft SW swell with a 17-second period (very long groundswell), and offshore wind at 12 mph. The combined energy is off the charts at 42002 (very strong). This is way too big for paddle surfing—more like a big wave tow-in spot, and with the long period, it’ll be walling up on this break. Not for the faint-hearted.

Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th September sees a run of 10ft to 15ft swells from the south and southeast, with mostly clean cross-off winds. The energy is strong to very strong (3138 to 5938). These are all “too big for this break” warnings—again, experts only, and even then, it’s a proper mission. The Thursday 3rd morning is glassy with 11ft SW swell—if you’re an absolute charger, that’s a session.

Monday 7th September is a big change. By morning, the swell drops back to 7ft from the south, 10-second period, and glassy conditions. Excellent for experienced surfers, with clean faces and moderate energy (1588). The afternoon is just as good—6ft SSE swell, clean cross-off breeze. This is a proper pick for the more manageable stuff.

Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th September fade off into smaller 3ft to 4ft swells, with some light cross-onshore winds. Marginal to poor—honestly, not worth the paddle.

Thursday 10th is more of the same—small, onshore, not good.

But Friday 11th September brings a final window of hope: 6ft to 7ft SW swell, 10-11 second period, and a clean cross-off breeze from the east in the morning. Energy is moderate (803-934). It’s good surf, not epic, but clean and fun for those who’ve waited through the big stuff.

Overall, the standout windows are Tuesday 1st September afternoon (glassy, 8ft SW, expert-good) and Monday 7th September (manageable 7ft, glassy). If you’re an expert, the big swell from 2nd to 6th September is there, but it’s a serious commitment. For the rest, pick your moments and check the tides.

Keep an eye on the sky, and I’ll see you out there.

– Rusty

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