Banks Peninsula - Hickory Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for our stretch of coast.

We’re kicking off with a bit of a slow start. The first few days are pretty ordinary, with small, weak swells and onshore or cross-off winds that don’t do the waves any favours. You’ll be waiting a few days for anything worthwhile.

Come Wednesday, the 9th of September, things start to look up. Hickory Bay (Banks Peninsula) cleans right up with a clear sky and a light offshore breeze from the north. The swell is a modest 4ft, pushing in from the ENE, and the period is a bit short at 9 seconds, but the wind is favourable and the energy is moderate (280). It’s a solid beginner-friendly option, and the water temperature is sitting at 52°, which is a touch warmer than usual for this time of year – a nice little bonus. It’s a fairly consistent spot, so you’re not just rolling the dice.

The real standout, though, is Friday the 11th of September. The swell drops a little in height to 4ft, but it’s a long-period groundswell from the SSW at 18 seconds, packing a hell of a lot of energy (886). The wind is a gentle offshore from the NNW in the morning, turning to a light cross-off in the afternoon. This is the kind of day where the waves will have proper shape and power, and the paddle out won’t be a fight. The wave comment even says “expect very good surf conditions.” This is the pick of the bunch.

After that, we get a few days of solid, but too-big, swell. The 12th and 13th see 10ft to 12ft surf from the south, with very strong energy (4621 and 6140). That’s expert territory only, and the wind is clean, but the size is serious. By Monday the 14th, it drops back to a more manageable 5ft from the SSW, with clean conditions, making for a good session for experienced surfers.

The second week is a mixed bag. There’s a bit of a gap on the 17th and 18th morning with poor, lumpy conditions and strong onshore winds. But then the 20th of September (Sunday) afternoon looks promising again, with a glassy SSW swell of 4ft, long period at 16 seconds, and moderate energy (816). That’s a clean, lined-up bank with easy paddling.

Overall, the best on offer is Friday the 11th of September for the quality of the long-period groundswell and clean offshore winds. The Monday the 14th is a good second option for experienced surfers wanting a bit more size.

Rusty.

Read more