Banks Peninsula - Hickory Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of swell lining up for Hickory Bay, but you’re gonna need to pick your moments. The water’s sitting at a touch warmer than normal for this time of year—51°F, which is about 2°F above average—so it’s a little more pleasant than usual.

The main action kicks off Friday morning, 11 September. The swell is a clean 4ft from the SSW, with a very long 18-second period that’ll wrap nicely into this exposed spot. Winds are light offshore from the north at 12 mph, and the combined energy is moderate at 830. It’s an ideal setup for beginners, but keep an eye on the tide. That morning session is the pick of the first few days—clean, well-shaped waves with plenty of push.

Friday afternoon drops off with onshore wind, so don’t bother. Saturday the 12th blows up to 13ft from the SSW, but with cross-onshore wind and a combined energy reading of 6536, it’s too much for this break—expert only, and even then, the conditions are choppy. Sunday sees a drop to 7ft and 8ft, but still too big and onshore; steer clear.

Monday the 14th morning is a beauty. Swell drops to a solid 6ft from the S, period 11 seconds, with a light cross-offshore breeze from the NNW. The combined energy sits at 795, and it’s clean. Afternoon gets even better—4ft S, with a light offshore from the north at 6 mph and 550 energy. Both sessions are rated top-notch. That Monday is a standout—good for all levels, with the offshore wind keeping the faces smooth.

Tuesday the 15th stays clean but the swell drops to 3-3ft (S, 8-9 second period), making for small, ordinary waves. Combined energy is low at 140-194. Still surfable, but nothing to rave about.

Wednesday the 16th is tiny—1.0ft to 3ft—and the swell direction shifts around. Skip it.

The next real highlight is Friday the 18th. Swell jumps to 12ft from the SSW, with a very long 16-second period, and the combined energy screams 7244—that’s a powerful groundswell. But this is too big for Hickory Bay, an exposed beach-and-reef setup. The afternoon shows 10ft with offshore wind from the north, and it’s clean, but only for experienced surfers who know the reef. Even then, that long period can make it break a bit too straight at a beach break—watch for that.

Saturday the 19th afternoon is another standout. Swell drops to 6ft from SSW, 14-second period, combined energy 1356, with clean cross-offshore wind from the NW. It’s excellent for experienced surfers. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

Sunday the 20th through Wednesday the 23rd is a mixed bag of marginal conditions and small swell. Not worth a dedicated trip.

Thursday the 24th is a cracker. Morning: 4ft SSW, 15-second period, light offshore from the NNW at 3 mph, energy 679—glassly clean. Afternoon: 5ft SSW, 14-second period, light offshore from the north, energy 758. Both sessions are excellent, with the offshore wind and long-period swell making for well-shaped, powerful waves. That’s a solid second standout—ideal for intermediate to experienced surfers.

After that, Friday the 25th is still okay—3ft SSW, 13-second period with moderate offshore wind—but smaller and less consistent. By Saturday the 26th, the wind cranks up to 25 mph from the NNW, and the swell is messy. The run finishes with poor conditions.

So, the best on offer: Monday the 14th and Thursday the 24th. Both have clean, offshore winds and moderate swell with good period. The Thursday session is a little more powerful, with longer period. Get out there.

Rusty.

Read more