Chicken Run Bashams Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards over the next couple of weeks.

We’re looking at Chicken Run Bashams Beach, a sheltered point break that’s a real gem for beginners when it’s working, but it’s inconsistent and takes a specific southerly swell to light up. We get that swell direction, so there’s potential, but the size and wind are going to keep us honest.

Right off the bat, this is a big-boy swell event. Sunday the 12th is pumping with a solid 12 ft to 15 ft SW swell, and the wave energy is cranking into the thousands (3441-9326). That’s a lot of water moving, and with a 16-19 mph cross-off wind from the west, it cleans it up but that size is only for experts. Way too big for beginners. The water temp is about average for this time of year. Monday the 13th keeps the size at a hefty 13 ft from the SSW with a very long 16-second period, meaning it’s got serious punch and those long waits between sets. The wind stays cross-off in the 16-19 mph range, so it’s rideable for the experienced crew but still heavy. Wave energy is massive (7426-8055).

Tuesday the 14th is still big at 13 ft in the morning, but the wind swings to a light cross-shore breeze, which is a downgrade from the day before. By afternoon, the cross-onshore picks up and it gets choppy. Not ideal.

Now, here’s the standout of the whole forecast. Wednesday morning, July 15. The swell has dropped to a much more manageable 8 ft from the SSW, with a solid 14-second period. The wind is a near-perfect, light 3 mph cross-off from the NNE. That is the recipe for clean, lined-up point surf. The wave energy is moderate (2358), but for this break and that wind, it’ll be excellent. This is the window for experienced surfers. Thursday the 16th is also a good call with the swell dropping further to 6 ft, still from the SSW, and glassy conditions in the afternoon with 3 mph ESE wind. That’s smaller, cleaner, and better for a wider range of skill levels. Wave energy is still decent (1569-1631).

Friday the 17th is also a gem. Morning has a clean 7 ft SSW swell (16-second period) and a light offshore from the NNE at 6 mph. The afternoon goes glassy with a 6 ft swell. Beautiful. Wave energy is moderate (1546-2386).

Things quieten down over the weekend of the 18th and 19th, with the swell dropping under 5 ft by Saturday. Sunday the 19th picks up some long-period energy (19 seconds for the SW) but it’s small and gets hit by strong winds. Not worth racing out for.

The following week sees a return to form. Friday afternoon, July 24 and Saturday morning, July 25 are the big targets for the second week. Friday afternoon has a 10 ft SSW swell with a 16-second period, a clear offshore from the north at 9 mph, and strong wave energy (4483). That’s a proper winter swell with clean offshore conditions. Saturday morning the 25th is similar: 10 ft SSW, 17-second period, steady offshore from the NNW at 12 mph, and wave energy at 4436. This is expert-level, powerful, clean point surf. Saturday afternoon the wind goes cross-off and the swell drops a touch, but it’s still solid. Sunday the 26th gets too windy to fully recommend.

Overall, the two true standouts are Wednesday morning July 15 for a cleaner, slightly smaller but excellent window, and Friday afternoon July 24 for the big, clean groundswell. Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th are the sneaky good days for a bit more manageable conditions. Remember, this point is inconsistent and can be picky with crowds, so on those standout days, expect some company.

Rusty, signing off.

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