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.

October at South Wall, Ballina, offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.4m and a decent 10s period, providing consistent energy for intermediate to advanced surfers. The dominant swell directions are from the SE to E, with SE swells being the most frequent and often producing waves in the 1-2m range—ideal for good, clean rides. Around 60% of swells fall between 1-2.5m, ensuring solid sessions, while smaller (0.5-1m) and larger (over 2.5m) swells are less common. Wind conditions are mixed, with 37% of days offering favorable offshore or light cross-shore winds (E to NE), particularly in the morning. However, stronger onshore winds (S to SE) can occasionally disrupt conditions, especially in the afternoons. Overall, October delivers reliable waves with clean conditions roughly one-third of the time, making it a solid month for surfing here. Watch for SE swells paired with light NE winds for the best sessions.