Buffalo Bay Wildside Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Buffalo Bay Wildside. This spot is a bit of a wild card—it’s inconsistent, so when it lines up, you gotta be ready. The water’s sitting at 59°F right now, which is much colder than normal for this time of year, so don’t forget a decent steamer.

The run starts on Monday morning, August 31st, with clean, glassy conditions and a 5ft SW swell. The energy’s moderate at 695, and that 11-second period has some decent punch. The offshore wind is light, so it’ll be smooth. This is a good little window to get out there before things change. But by Monday afternoon, the wind swings cross-on, and the quality drops off.

Tuesday, September 1st, sees the swell bump up to 8ft in the morning and 8ft in the afternoon, both from the SW with a solid 12 to 13-second period. The energy gets serious—1608 and 2414—but the wind stays cross-on, keeping it a bit messy. It’s surfable, but not the cleanest.

Wednesday morning, September 2nd, is where it gets wild. Swell hits 10ft from the SW with a 13-second period, and the energy is cranking at 2831. That’s too big for most folks—this is expert-only territory, and even then, the cross-on wind will make it a handful. Wednesday afternoon drops to 8ft, but the wind picks up and goes cross-shore, so it’s choppy.

Thursday morning, September 3rd, the swell settles back to 5ft, but with light rain and cross-on wind, it’s not great. Then Thursday afternoon gets hammered by 25 mph winds and heavy rain—total write-off for surfing, but kite surfers might be eyeing that 6ft SSW swell with 1208 energy.

Friday, September 4th, is a standout. Morning brings a 12ft SE swell with 3240 energy—huge, but clean with cross-off winds. This is only for experts, and the swell direction (SE) matches the optimum for the break. Afternoon holds at 10ft, still clean. If you’re experienced and hungry, this is the best on offer.

Saturday, September 5th, the swell drops to 7ft in the morning and 6ft in the afternoon, both from the ESE. The period is short at 8 seconds, so it’s weaker and less exciting. Still clean with cross-off winds, but nothing to write home about.

Sunday, September 6th, brings a 8ft SSW swell with a very long 17-second period—energy is massive at 4608. But it’s cross-shore and messy in the morning. Afternoon sees 19 mph cross-off winds, so it cleans up, but that long period at a beach break like this might make it too straight and tricky. Worth a look for experienced surfers, but not a guarantee.

Heading into the second week, Monday, September 7th, has a 8ft ESE swell in the morning, clean, but the period is only 10 seconds. Afternoon jumps to 12ft with 2761 energy—again, too big for most.

Tuesday, September 8th, is another highlight. Morning has 10ft ESE swell with offshore winds—clean, powerful, but expert-only. Afternoon drops to 8ft, still clean with cross-off winds, and the energy is 1368. The swell direction matches the optimum, and it’s glassy enough for a good session if you’re competent.

From Wednesday, September 9th, onward, things taper off. The swell drops below 7ft, winds get onshore or cross-on, and the energy fades. There’s a brief window on Thursday, September 10th, afternoon with a 6ft ESE swell, 13-second period, and clean conditions—nice for a relaxed session. Friday morning, September 11th, offers 5ft with clean offshore winds, but it’s small.

The last few days, from September 12th to 15th, are mostly small and weak, with swells under 5ft and poor or marginal conditions. The standout is definitely Friday, September 4th, for the big, clean swell, and Tuesday, September 8th, for the offshore winds and solid size. If you’re not in the expert category, stick to Monday morning, August 31st, or Thursday afternoon, September 10th, for manageable waves.

Rusty.

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