Banks Peninsula - Hickory Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s chew the fat on what Hickory Bay is gonna throw at us.

We’ve got a decent pulse of swell on the way, but it’s a mixed bag. The main window looks like the end of the first week into the start of the second. The water’s about 51°, which is a touch warmer than usual for this time of year, so that’s a nice little bonus.

We kick things off on Wednesday, August 19th with a solid 8ft S swell. Problem is, the wind is cross-on and the energy is high (2298), making it a bit too much for the average punter. The swell is predicted to be too big for this break, so it’s a pass.

Thursday the 20th is a write-off. The swell drops off, and the conditions are pretty ordinary with cross-on winds and marginal tide.

Friday, August 21st – That’s your standout window. The morning brings a clean 4ft S swell with a nice 13-second period and, crucially, a light offshore breeze from the N. That’s the kind of setup that makes Hickory Bay really shine. The combined energy (585) is moderate, and the conditions are rated as very good. The afternoon holds up too, with a 4ft S swell and a moderate offshore, still clean. Get on it.

Saturday the 22nd starts to fade. The swell drops to under 3ft, and the wind swings around. The morning is ordinary, and the afternoon gets fresh with a 35 km/h NNW wind, so it’s a no-go.

Sunday the 23rd is flat with tiny 1ft waves and poor conditions. Monday the 24th is a bit of a tease. We get a 4ft SSW swell with a very long 15-second period and clean conditions. The energy is solid (621), but the wind is cross-off. It’s good, not great, but worth a look.

Tuesday the 25th sees the same 4ft SSW swell and long period, but the wind picks up to a fresh breeze, making it marginal. Wednesday the 26th has a brief moment of glassy conditions in the morning with a 3ft SSW swell, but the afternoon turns to crap with strong cross-on wind.

Thursday, August 27th afternoon – Another standout. The morning is a write-off, but the afternoon delivers a 4ft S swell with a very long 15-second period, clean cross-off wind, and a solid energy of 733. This is a proper chance for some good waves.

Friday the 28th is a nice capper to the week. Clean offshore winds in the morning and afternoon with 3ft S swell. It’s small but clean.

The following week is a bit of a mixed bag. Saturday the 29th and Sunday the 30th are poor. Monday the 31st brings a 8ft NE swell, but it’s predicted to be too big for the break, and the period is short (8 seconds), so it’s messy. Tuesday the 1st of September is more of the same with a big, lumpy 8ft SSW swell.

Then, from Wednesday, September 2nd, things look promising again. The morning has a 7ft S swell with glassy conditions; the afternoon is clean with a 4ft SSW swell. Thursday the 3rd of September is a real long-range standout. The morning has an 8ft SSW swell with glassy conditions and massive energy (2843). That’s only for the experienced crew. The afternoon is excellent for experienced surfers with a 7ft S swell and clean conditions. It’s a long way out, so keep an eye on it, but the potential is huge.

Overall, the best bet is Friday the 21st and Thursday the 27th afternoon. The first week looks more reliable, with the second week showing some promising but less certain options.

Rusty.

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