South Wall Ballina - surf spot statistics

South Wall in Ballina, Australia, offers a mix of ground and wind swells throughout the year, with no completely flat periods. The best months for surfing are typically between May and August, when ground swells dominate (52-61% of the time) and wind conditions improve, particularly in June, July, and August when good winds occur 48-53% of the time. These months also provide consistent swell sizes averaging 1.2-1.5m, making them the most reliable for quality surf. Outside this window, conditions are less favorable, with higher percentages of wind swells (up to 73% in November) and stronger onshore winds, particularly from January to April and September to December. The worst wind conditions occur in February (78% bad winds) and December (71% bad winds), while swell quality is weaker in late spring and early summer. For surfers seeking cleaner, more powerful waves, the winter months (June-August) are ideal, offering a balance of favorable swell direction and lighter winds compared to the rest of the year.

December at South Wall Ballina offers decent surf conditions with an average swell height of 1.3m and a solid period of 9.6s, providing consistent, rideable waves. The swell is predominantly from the eastern quadrant (ENE-E-SE), with the majority of waves falling in the 0.5-2m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The most consistent swells come from the ESE and SE directions, often producing clean, well-shaped waves. However, wind conditions are a mixed bag, with only 29% of days offering ideal offshore or light cross-shore winds (typically from the W-NW). Onshore winds from the NE-ENE can degrade wave quality, especially when accompanied by stronger gusts (20-30kph). While larger swells (2m+) are less frequent, they can deliver powerful, hollow waves when SSE swells combine with favorable winds. Overall, December provides a good mix of conditions, but patience is key to scoring the best sessions when winds align.