Zoo (Bull Bay) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get honest about the next couple of weeks at Zoo (Bull Bay). Right off the bat, I’ve gotta say it’s a grim start. The first solid week is a write-off — we’re looking at a stretch of poor surf conditions from the 19th right through until the 27th, with only a few marginal windows popping up. The wind is a bugger, hanging cross-onshore from the ESE almost constantly, kicking up a choppy, messy surface. The swell is there, but it’s short-period stuff (7 to 8 seconds), windswept, and just not giving us anything to work with.

The first real glimmer of hope comes late on the 31st of August, Monday morning. We get a glassy morning with the wind dropping to nothing, swinging light from the SSE. The swell is 5ft from the ESE at 8 seconds. It’s not a world-beater, but clean conditions make it surfable. The combined swell energy is moderate at 300. The water temperature is sitting at 85°, which is about 1° warmer than normal, so nothing too unusual there.

Then, on the 1st of September, Tuesday morning, another glassy session with the wind from the S. Swell drops a touch to 4ft, still ESE at 8 seconds, energy at 210. Clean, small, but rideable for the patient.

The standout of the whole outlook, though, is the 2nd of September, Wednesday morning. This is the best on offer. Glassy conditions again, wind from the SSE, and the swell period stretches to 10 seconds, giving it a bit more shape and push. The swell height is 3ft from the ESE, with combined energy of 224. It’s small, but the longer period means better quality waves, and that glassy surface will have it looking like a mirror. For a reef break that’s fairly consistent, this is a proper little morning session for the intermediates. Expect crowds possible, as it’s a spot that can get busy when it’s clean.

After that, the 3rd of September Thursday morning is marginal, with the ESE cross-onshore creeping back in, but the swell is 5ft at 9 seconds, combined energy 405. It’s a bit raw, but if you’re desperate, it’s an option.

The rest of the period is filled with onshore wind and poor conditions. The north side of 8ft swell on the 27th and 30th is only for the experts, and even then, the wind is rubbish. Honestly, for the first week, you’d be better off finding a kite if you’re into that, because the combo of moderate swell and cross-onshore wind is more their game.

Bottom line: a long dry spell, then a couple of tidy early-morning windows right at the end of August and start of September. The 2nd of September is the one to circle.

Rusty.

Read more