Well, it has been another windy week just gone, especially through the afternoons, with choppy and messy ocean conditions and big morning high tides.
The weather pattern over the coming days is looking very consistent, with not a lot of change from this past week apart from those winds not being quite as strong through the afternoon (although still quite moderate).
Generally, the pattern over the next three to four days will be lighter winds through the early mornings and stronger winds through the afternoons, with the chance of a shower or two through today and possibly again tomorrow.
From today through until Monday, the early mornings will bring S/SE winds at around 10 to 15 knots, whilst the afternoons will then see the wind swing more from the E/SE and increase to around 20 knots or even more, although Monday afternoon’s winds will hopefully be slightly lighter again.
SWIMMING: Swimming conditions have been very messy and choppy for the most part this week – particularly on those open and exposed beaches – and especially through the afternoons.
Looking ahead to today, and across the long weekend, it does appear that the early mornings will provide the calmer swimming conditions – although the tide will be lower – whilst mid-afternoon will also be OK if you can find a beach that provides some protection from the stronger winds at this time of the day.
The better beaches for swimmers over the coming days will be Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Nielson Park and Moore Park.
Be careful if swimming as there will be a side current or sweep pushing from right to left along most beaches, and also the odd rip as well should that swell size increase later in the weekend.
Please check with the 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: Weekdays – 9 am to 5 pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach and Agnes Water, PLUS a Rove Lifeguard operating in the Bundaberg Region (Please Note: Operational Hours may differ at certain beaches)
SATURDAY, SUNDAY and PUBLIC HOLIDAYS – 8 am to 6 pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach & Agnes Water, PLUS a roving Lifeguard operating in the Bundaberg Region
SURFING: Local board-riders have been enjoying plenty of waves once again during this past week, however you did not to pick your timing around the strong winds and the tides, but there were plenty of windows of opportunity that provided clean, fun waves.
Looking ahead to today and across the weekend, and it does appear that the waves are set to persist at least into early next week, and maybe even start to get a little bigger too as the swell direction changes to a E/NE direction.
The early mornings will provide lighter winds and hopefully cleaner conditions, but it should also be worth exploring the beach breaks around that mid afternoon period as well.
Beaches such as Agnes Water, Nielson Park, Mon Repos and Moore Park will be the better options. Good Luck!
For the SUP and Ocean Ski Paddlers, the early mornings could provide less wind and hopefully some calmer ocean conditions with a few fun waves, but it once again looks like being another good weekend of slick downwind paddling conditions (south to north) – especially through the afternoons.
EVENTS: On behalf of all local surf lifesavers, I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe New Year!
