Apollo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s shaping up for Apollo Bay over the next couple of weeks.

First off, we’ve got a bit of a wait. The surf doesn’t really get going until Friday the 17th, so we’re looking at a few quiet days before that. When it does start, it’s with a solid pulse.

The standout window is going to be Friday afternoon, July 24th. That’s the one to circle. We’re looking at a big 15ft SW groundswell, with a 15-second period pushing a massive amount of energy (12155). The wind is offshore, moderate but clean, making for some seriously good conditions. This is expert territory though – that size is well over 8ft, so this is for the experienced crew only. The water’s sitting at a pretty average 58°, which is about normal for this time of year.

Before that, we’ve got a few smaller days. Friday the 17th is a solid start with a 7ft SW swell and a long 16-second period, but the wind is cross-off, so it’s clean enough for experienced surfers. The energy is strong (2033). Saturday the 18th drops a bit to 4ft, but with glassy conditions in the morning, it’ll be a fun, clean session for the more intermediate crowd.

Sunday the 19th and Monday the 20th are smaller, with 2ft to 3ft waves. The winds are light and glassy or cross-off, so it’s clean, but the energy is weak (294-359). Not a lot of push.

Tuesday the 21st picks up a little to 3-4ft, and with glassy conditions in the afternoon, it’s a nice, clean option.

Now, Wednesday the 23rd is a big warning. A 15ft SW swell hits with a 13-second period, but the wind is a strong 16 mph cross-off. The energy is massive (8010), but with those winds, it’s going to be messy and marginal. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a pleasant paddle.

Then we hit the big day: Friday the 24th. As I said, the afternoon is the peak. A 15ft SW swell, 15-second period, and moderate offshore wind. The energy is off the charts (12155). It’s exceptional for experts, but if you’re not at that level, stay out.

Saturday the 25th is still solid at 8ft to 7ft, with a gentle offshore wind in the afternoon. Clean, powerful, but still only for experienced surfers.

The next week gets a bit mixed. Sunday the 26th drops to 4-5ft, clean but mellow. Then Monday the 27th sees another big jump to 10-12ft, but with strong cross-off winds, it’s marginal again.

Tuesday the 28th has a nice 8ft SW swell with a gentle offshore in the morning, making for clean, powerful conditions for experienced surfers.

The tail end of the forecast, from the 30th of July into August, is looking too big and messy. The 31st shows a massive 21ft swell with strong cross-onshore winds, and the 1st of August is similar with 15ft and onshore winds. That’s a no-go zone, even for the grommets.

So, bottom line: the absolute best is Friday afternoon, July 24th, for the experts. If you’re not at that level, the glassy mornings of the 18th or 21st are your best bet for a clean, fun session.

Rusty.

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