Well, we had a sensational long weekend of surfing conditions last weekend, and this past week has brought a sensational week of beach and swimming conditions – so everyone has been able to find something to keep them happy over the past seven days!
However, looking ahead to today and the weekend, the forecast is saying there could be some showers or even rain periods on the way today, and maybe a few showers again tomorrow, before we should see more sunshine by Sunday at the latest.
The winds are not looking too bad over the coming days, although there may be some gustier conditions through each afternoon, but the winds will be quite variable.
Today we are forecast to receive light N/NW winds early this morning at only around 10 knots, before they increase to 15+ knots from the E/NE through this afternoon.
Tomorrow will then bring E/NE to E winds at 10 to 15 knots, although they will likely reach 15+ knots through the afternoon.
Then for Sunday, the winds will swing more from the E/SE at 10 to 15 knots, and slightly stronger again through the afternoon.
Swimming: The swimming conditions have been absolutely sensational this past week, which is probably a good thing with how hot it has been, and the crowd numbers at the beach have been huge!
As we look ahead to the coming days, we can expect the clam and flat ocean conditions to disappear, particularly through the afternoons, as we see a return of choppy conditions (unless you get down there very early in the morning before the winds increase).
For today, and again early tomorrow morning, you will find the best swimming conditions at beaches such as Elliott Heads and Kelly’s Beach due to their protection from the northerly winds.
However, by tomorrow afternoon and into Sunday when the winds turn more E/SE, the better locations for swimmers will be beaches such as Agnes Water, Hervey Bay, Moore Park Beach and Nielson Park.
The best time for a swim will either be in the very early mornings, or again from late morning to early afternoon when the tide is higher.
Please check with the lifesavers or lifeguard on duty, read any safety signage or messages, and most importantly please swim only at patrolled beaches, only between the red and yellow flags, and only during patrol times – remember, if we can’t see you, we can’t save you!
Beach patrols: Saturday and Sunday – 8am to 6pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach and Agnes Water, plus a roving lifeguard across the Bundaberg Region; Also, Early Morning RWC Surveillance Patrols operate from 6am around the Bargara and Mon Repos areas.
Weekdays – 9am to 5pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach and Agnes Water, plus a roving lifeguard across the Bundaberg Region; Also, Early Morning RWC Surveillance Patrols operate from 6am around the Bargara and Mon Repos areas. (Please Note – some beaches and services may have longer hours of patrol).
Surfing: Well, the local surfers got more than their fair share of quality waves over the New Year long weekend, with pretty much all beaches picking up some great swell from Cyclone Seth, and there were plenty out in the water having some fun!
But it soon disappeared and by Monday afternoon the calm and flat conditions had returned and have remained that way ever since!
The coming days are forecast to bring variable wind conditions, and the wave forecast does not look too promising either, although there is still the chance of a few small waves being able to be found for those that are still keen to try their luck.
Have a look through the very early mornings, or again during the last few hours of the run-in tide, with Kelly’s Beach and Elliott Heads worth a sneaky look today or early tomorrow, with Agnes Water, Nielson Park, Mon Repos and Moore Park Beach being better options through tomorrow and into Sunday.
For the more experienced SUP and ocean-ski paddlers looking for some fast downwind action, this afternoon looks OK for a slick north to south run, and then again Sunday afternoon for a south to north run.
For those looking for a more relaxed and casual float, this morning may be okay in the ocean, but after that, the creeks and rivers will again be the best option.
Events: Nil.
Important note: Remember there are updated COVID-19 restrictions, if you are at the beach, please maintain the social/physical distancing minimum guidelines and abide by the current group gathering guidelines as well.
- Last week's beach report: Check the forecast before New Year swim
