Buffalo Bay Wildside Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s coming up for our patch, because there’s actually a bit of a story to tell.

The main event for the next couple of weeks is going to be Buffalo Bay Wildside, and it’s a mixed bag of serious power and real frustration. The water temp is sitting around 57.9°, which is nearly 5.4° colder than normal for this time of year – that’s a big deal, so you’ll want a thick wetsuit and maybe some booties.

It all starts Saturday afternoon, the 22nd of August, but I wouldn’t bother paddling out. We’ve got 5 ft of SW swell with moderate energy (771), and that 12 mph WSW wind is blowing straight onshore. It’s windy, messy, and the surf quality is poor. Sunday the 23rd shows some promise though. The morning brings a cleaner 6.9 ft SW swell (1244 energy) and a light 3 mph SSW wind, but it’s a bit onshore and the forecast is only marginal. The afternoon switches to a 3 mph SE cross-shore, with solid long-period energy at 13 seconds and 1352. The wave comment flags it as marginal though, so keep expectations tempered.

Now, Monday the 24th morning – that’s a moment. We’ve got 5.2 ft of SW swell (704 energy) and glassy, dead-calm conditions. Those clean, offshore lines will be there. It’s still mostly for intermediate to advanced surfers given the size and consistency, but the glassy wind is a serious positive. That morning window is your best early-week option.

Tuesday the 25th afternoon is a real standout. The swell builds to 7.2 ft from the SW, with a very nice 13-second period and strong wave energy (2300). The wind is a light 3 mph ESE cross-offshore – that’s clean, clean, clean. This is for experienced surfers; it’s gonna push over 8.2 ft by the morning, so beginners stay on the sand.

Wednesday the 26th is a write-off for quality. Despite some solid energy (over 1700), the wind cranks up to 16-22 mph from the East. Even though it’s cross-offshore, that strong breeze creates lumpy, tough conditions. It’s more of a kite-surfing setup than a smooth surfing day.

Thursday the 27th is a total redemption arc. Both morning and afternoon are glassy – zero wind – with 4.9-5.9 ft SSW swell at 12 seconds and energy around 1300-1400. The conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. If you can get out on Thursday, this is the other clear window in the first week.

Friday the 28th is marginal. The swell drops to 4.9-5.6 ft from the East with a short 10-second period. Not terrible, not great. The morning is light cross-shore, and the afternoon shows a 9 mph cross-off, but the energy and period just aren’t there.

Saturday the 29th is a no-go. The swell drops to 3.3 ft, but the wind is a nasty 19 mph from the North and then Southwest. A 19 mph onshore wind turns the ocean into a washing machine.

Here’s where it gets real: Sunday the 30th looks big but blown. A huge 13-15 ft SW swell (4440-6600 energy) but it’s crossed-up with 16-19 mph winds. This is expert-only territory, but with winds that strong onshore, it’s going to be a total mess. Mostly for the groms with kites.

Monday the 31st offers a mellowing out, with 7.9-8.2 ft SW swell and a lighter 3-9 mph wind, but it’s still cross-onshore. It’s more manageable for intermediates, but not the best quality unless you get a clean session.

Now, look ahead to Tuesday the 1st of September. That morning session is the top of the second week. A glassy 8.2 ft SW swell with long 13-second period and strong energy (2436). Conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This has the potential to be the best session of the whole 16-day run if the forecasts hold. The wind is clean, the swell has power, and it’s a Tuesday – so crowds are only “sometimes” a problem.

Wednesday the 2nd is a step back. The afternoon brings a 6.9 ft SW swell (1527 energy) with a clean 9 mph ESE cross-off, so there’s a decent session there for confident surfers.

Thursday the 3rd and beyond: The swell goes big again. Over 11.5 ft and even up to 16-20 ft by the 4th and 6th of September. But the guidance calls these sizes “too big for this break,” meaning the break gets washed out or dangerous. Even with glassy conditions on the 4th morning (16.4 ft, 14-second period, 19636 energy), it’s going to be a monster – for experts with a death wish

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