Buffalo Bay Wildside Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s heading our way.

We've got a solid run of swell coming into Buffalo Bay Wildside, but you've got to pick your moments. The water’s sitting at 57° – that’s a massive 6° colder than normal for this time of year, so a thick wetsuit is non-negotiable.

Things kick off proper on Thursday, August 20th. There's a big, powerful SW swell hitting 10ft with a long 13-second period, and the combined energy is pumping at 3379, that’s strong. But here's the thing – it’s predicted to be too big for this break. The water’s glassy though, wind is light from the south at 3 mph. If you’re a seasoned charger looking for a real beast, maybe, but for most of us, it’s probably a look-and-leave.

Friday the 21st morning is your first real standout. The swell drops to a more manageable 7ft from the SW, 12-second period, energy at 1256. Winds are light cross-off from the ESE at 6 mph, keeping the surf clean. Excellent conditions for experienced surfers, and with the break being inconsistent and crowds only sometimes an issue, it’s a good window to get some quality waves without a packed lineup.

Friday afternoon sees the swell ease to 5ft, but the wind picks up to 12 mph cross-off, and the window for quality closes quickly. Saturday and Sunday are largely a write-off with cross-on winds and choppy conditions, though Sunday morning has a 8ft SW swell and 1304 energy, but the wind is cross-shore and the surf is marginal.

Now, looking ahead to Tuesday, August 25th morning, we’ve got another serious pulse. Swell jumps back to 8ft from the SW, period stretching to 14 seconds, and energy is massive at 2846. Wind is light cross-off from the east at 6 mph – that’s clean and powerful. This is for experienced surfers only; it’s too big for beginners. Keep an eye on it.

By Wednesday the 26th morning, the swell drops to 5ft but the wind goes glassy from the ENE at 3 mph. That’s gold. The 13-second period gives it shape, and with 1101 energy, this is a sweet, clean morning for a solid session with not a hint of wind. Friday the 28th is a write-off, but Saturday the 29th morning brings another good window: 5ft SW swell, 14-second period, 1372 energy, and clean cross-off winds. A nice repeat performer.

There’s a big lull after that until the end of August. A couple of small, clean windows around the 31st with glassy conditions, but the swell is small. Then, hold onto your board – early September sees a proper monster. Wednesday, September 2nd afternoon, a 20ft SW swell with a 15-second period and energy reading of 23583 rolls in. That’s extreme. Wind is light onshore. It’s predicted to be too big for this spot, even for experts.

Thursday the 3rd morning is still massive at 18ft, energy 17802. Friday the 4th morning, still 10ft. This is not paddle surfing – this is a whole other level. For most of us, it’s going to be more interesting for the kite crew.

Stay safe, pick your windows, and don’t get caught out by that cold water.

Rusty.

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