Apollo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a ripper 16-day window ahead for Apollo Bay, but you’ve gotta pick your moments. The pattern kicks off with some average conditions, then builds into a proper swell event midweek, before settling back into cleaner but smaller surf.

Water temp at Apollo Bay is sitting at 57°, which is about average for this time of year – nothing unusual, just your standard cool Victorian water.

Tuesday (September 1st) starts a bit average. You’ve got a 5ft SW swell with a long 16-second period, but the wind’s a cross-off from the NNW at 15 mph. The combined swell energy’s moderate at 1140, but the wave comment says it’s marginal. Afternoon drops a touch to 4ft, still clean but nothing to write home about. Not the best day to paddle out.

Now Wednesday (September 2nd) – we’re on. Offshore winds from the WNW at 12 mph, a 6ft SW swell with a 16-second period in the morning, bumping to 7ft by the afternoon. Combined energy jumps to 1746 then 1781, and the call is “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” This is the standout of the first week – clean, lined-up waves with that long-period groundswell wrapping into the point. Apollo Bay (beach and point) handles a SW swell well, and with offshore winds, it’s going to be firing. Crowds can pop up here sometimes, so get in early.

Thursday (September 3rd) gets big – too big for most. Morning sees 13ft SW with 22 mph offshore winds, afternoon hits 18ft from the WSW. Combined energy is massive at 7886 and then 15367. This is expert territory only. The wave comment says marginal due to size – unless you’ve got the experience and the right board, give it a miss. Friday (4th) drops a bit but still solid at 10ft in the morning, then 8ft afternoon, but winds turn cross-off and the energy is still strong. Again, for confident surfers only.

Saturday (September 5th) is another massive day – 21ft by the afternoon from the WSW, combined energy over 20000. The wind is offshore but strong at 25 mph. The call is that the swell is too big for the break. This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing. Sunday (6th) sees a return to manageable 7ft in the morning with light cross-off winds, then 6ft afternoon – clean and much more user-friendly. This would be a good choice if you want a paddle without the fear.

Monday (7th) drops right off – 3ft in the morning, 3ft afternoon. Not worth the drive. Tuesday (8th) morning goes glassy with a 4ft SW swell and a wicked 18-second period. Combined energy 1253, and the call is “very good surf conditions.” That long period means the point could be offering some beautiful, walling lines – but be aware, long-period swells can be a bit too straight for the beach section. Still, the point will love it. Afternoon turns offshore at 15 mph, still clean.

Wednesday (September 9th) – another extreme swell event. 21ft in the morning, 18ft afternoon, both from the SW with combined energy over 40000. Again, too big for this break, and with strong cross-off winds, it’s really only for the kamikaze crew or kite surfers.

Thursday (10th) through Friday (11th) is your second-week sweet spot. Offshore winds, 7ft to 8ft SW swells, solid energy around 2000-3000, and excellent conditions for experienced surfers. The direction is optimum for Apollo Bay, and those 15-16 second periods will give you power and shape. This is the real standout for the second week – clean, consistent, and paddling into well-developed waves.

Saturday (12th) stays clean with 5ft, then Sunday (13th) goes glassy again with a small 3ft – beautiful for logging or a longboard cruise. Monday (14th) afternoon sees a return to excellent conditions with 6ft SW and light offshore breezes. Tuesday (15th) is clean offshore at 5ft. Wednesday (16th) finishes the run with 5-5ft but fresh cross-off winds – still clean, but not as tidy.

Overall, the best on offer is Wednesday September 2nd morning, and then Thursday 10th and Friday 11th for the second week. Both offer offshore winds, good SW swell, and that long-period punch that makes Apollo Bay sing. Just watch those massive days on the 3rd, 5th, and 9th – they’re for the brave or the kite crew.

This is Rusty, signing off. Get amongst it.

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