Banks Peninsula - Hickory Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's dial into the local scene for the next couple of weeks. Right off the bat, we've got a bit of a slow start, but there's some real quality on the horizon.

The first few days are a mixed bag. Monday afternoon shows a 4ft south swell with a decent 10-second period on the cards at Hickory-Bay (Banks Peninsula). The water is sitting at 51°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year. With glassy conditions and light NE winds, it’s looking very clean, and the combined swell energy is moderate at 535. Not a standout due to its beginner-friendly size, but a solid session to ease into the week.

Tuesday morning that swell drops right off to 2ft, but it's a clean 14-second SSW groundswell with light offshore northerlies. The energy is lower at 214. It’s a small-wave board day, not the main event. The rest of the week until Thursday is flat or tiny, with onshore winds and rain spoiling things on the 17th.

Now, Friday the 18th is where things start to get interesting. The morning is okay with a 3ft ESE swell at 12 seconds and clean conditions, but the real gem is Friday afternoon. A 2ft SSW groundswell, 15-second period, with gentle offshore northerlies. The energy jumps to 597. It’s clean, lined-up, and very surfable. Not a huge wave, but the quality is there.

The standout period, no question, is the last week of September. Saturday the 19th is firing with a 4ft SSW swell at 14 seconds, combined energy of 727, and consistent offshore winds. Then we hit Monday the 21st – this is the one to circle. A 5ft SSW swell, 15-second period, clean cross-offshore breeze, and a combined energy of 1248. That’s a proper swell and the wind is right. Excellent conditions for experienced surfers. Then Tuesday the 22nd throws a 10ft SSW swell at a short 9 seconds. With 1793 energy, it’s got power, but that’s getting big for this spot and the short period will make it a bit unruly. Definitely for the well-prepared crew only, and watch the tide.

The energy calms after that, but Sunday the 27th afternoon offers another solid 6ft SSW swell at 7 seconds with offshore winds and 704 energy. Then Monday the 28th afternoon and Tuesday the 29th are both standout sessions. On the 28th afternoon, a 6ft SSW groundswell, 14-second period, with a combined energy of 1640 and clean conditions. On the 29th, a 7ft S swell, 14-second period, energy at 1693, glassy conditions and zero wind in the afternoon. That’s premium, clean, powerful surf. Crowds are possible here, so get out early.

Overall, the first week is quiet, but the second week has some absolute crackers. Keep an eye on the 21st and the 28th/29th.
Rusty.

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