Nanwan Beach (South Bay) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for Nanwan Beach (South Bay).

Right now, it’s a bit of a write-off for the next few days. We’ve got strong cross-shore winds and messy conditions, with swell pumping but no quality on offer. The water’s sitting at a warm 84°, which is pretty normal for this time of year.

Sunday (23rd) and Monday (24th) are a no-go – risk of thunderstorms, strong cross-shore breeze, and lumpy cross-chop. The swell’s there at 7ft to 10ft from the SW, period around 8-9 seconds, but the wind’s just wrecking it. Combined energy is moderate to strong (1278 and 1028 on Monday arvo), but it’s not doing anyone any favours. Forget it.

Tuesday (25th) is where things start to get interesting. Morning has a cross-offshore breeze from the WNW at 9 mph, and the swell switches to a long-period easterly groundswell at 18 seconds and 7ft. The energy is massive (3526) – this is strong, powerful stuff. It’s a bit big for beginners at that size, and that long period can make beach breaks close out, but Nanwan is a beach and reef setup, and the wind is clean. Afternoon hammers it home: 8ft E swell, 17-second period, same light cross-off wind, and the wave coment says excellent for experienced surfers. This is the standout of the forecast. Crowds are often a factor here, so expect company, but for the crew that knows what they’re doing, Tuesday arvo is your window. Clean, powerful, and decent shape.

Wednesday (26th) drops off a bit – swell backs down to 6ft-6ft from the SW, period drops to 9 seconds, and the wind stays cross-off but picks up a touch in the afternoon. Energy is moderate (464-559). The morning has ‘good surf conditions’ but the afternoon’s a dud with poor conditions.

From Thursday (27th) through to Monday (31st August), it’s mostly poor. Winds get strong again – up to 31 mph from the WNW on Thursday, and then swinging onshore or cross-shore. The swell is there (5ft to 10ft), but the wind is howling and it’s just messy. A few spots have ‘clean’ wind but the strength makes it unsurfable. Combined energy bounces between moderate and strong (388 to 1331), but it’s not worth your time. Tuesday (1st September) is marginal at best – cross-shore chop with moderate energy.

Now, Wednesday (2nd September) afternoon brings a moment of glass. Light SSW breeze at 3 mph, glassy conditions, 4ft SW swell at 10 seconds. The energy is low (294), but if you want a gentle, clean session, that afternoon could be a sneaky little score. Not a standout, but a calm option.

Then we get to Thursday (3rd September) – and this is another big one, but with a serious caveat. Swell jumps to 13ft from the SW, period 9 seconds, with a clean cross-off WNW breeze at 9-12 mph. The energy is very strong (2248). The forecast says the swell is predicted to be too big for this break. That’s expert territory only – easily double-overhead, and for most, it’s a paddle-out mission you’ll regret. If you’re a charger, it’s there, but honestly, this break isn’t built for that size. I’d give it a miss unless you know the reef inside out.

Friday (4th) and Saturday (5th September) ease off – 8ft down to 7ft SW swell, periods 9-10 seconds, clean cross-off winds. The energy drops to moderate (835-1310). Saturday afternoon is the pick of these two – light breeze, clean, and the wave comment says ‘very good surf conditions’. That’s a solid session for intermediates.

After that, the last few days (6th-7th September) taper away – 4ft to 5ft, moderate cross-off winds but the energy is low and conditions are poor to marginal. The window closes.

So, here’s the bottom line: Tuesday (25th August) afternoon is your best bet – big, long-period easterly groundswell, clean offshore wind, and excellent surf. The other standout is Saturday (5th September) afternoon – smaller but very clean and surfable. The big 13ft day on Thursday (3rd) is only for the brave. Crowds are likely most days, so get in early.

Rusty.

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