Apollo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Looks like we’ve got a bit of a wait before the real action kicks off at Apollo Bay.

We’re starting on Wednesday the 16th of September, but the surf is already pushing through. Nothing too special for the first few days though. Wednesday morning sees a solid 10ft SSW swell with a very long 15-second period, so there’s plenty of grunt behind it (combined energy 3804). The wind is cross-off from the SSW at 12 mph, keeping things reasonably tidy. But the tide and general conditions are a bit average, so it’s not firing cleanly. Water temp is 58°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so not a bad start on that front.

Thursday the 17th drops back a touch to 7ft from the SSW, still with decent period, but Thursday afternoon looks better with offshore WSW wind at 12 mph, making for cleaner lines. Friday the 18th has more SW groundswell pushing in at 7ft with a very long 17-second period, but it’s cross-off through the morning. Friday afternoon cleans up with offshore W wind and excellent conditions for experienced surfers (wave energy 1958).

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Saturday the 19th morning is the standout of this whole run. We’ve got a chunky 12ft WSW swell with 13-second period, offshore wind from the west at 12 mph, and combined energy roaring at 5642. This is powerful, clean, and square for the point. This is solid groundswell, so the point and reef setups at Apollo Bay should handle it well – but at 12ft, this is big for a beginner. This is only for experienced crew. The afternoon drops fast to 5ft and loses the juice.

Sunday the 20th drops to much smaller 5ft SW swell, but the wind goes fresh offshore from the NNW with a solid 19 mph, so the surface will be clean and lined up, but the energy is weak (868). Monday the 21st brings another pulse: 8ft SSW with 15-second period and cross-off winds, combined energy at 3213, but the score is still middling due to tide or maybe some lump from the cross-off. Tuesday the 22nd has 10ft SW with 16-second period and light cross-shore wind from the SSE, energy up to 5577, but the wind direction isn’t ideal – light cross-shore leaves a few ripples. Still looks like fun for the right bank.

After that, the swell drops right off. Wednesday the 23rd to Friday the 25th sees heights down to 3ft or less, with almost glassy conditions on Friday morning the 25th – dead calm, 3ft from the SW with 12-second period, energy only 284. That’s a longboard or flat day. If you’re patient, another solid SW pulse pushes in by Saturday the 26th of September, with 5ft to 6ft and a very long 19-second period, light winds, and good energy (2621). That Saturday afternoon looks excellent for experienced surfers, with clean lines and plenty of push on the reefs.

Into the second week, things get wind-affected. The 28th of September sees 5ft SW but fresh cross-off winds from the WNW at 19 mph, so it’s messy and lumpy. The 29th drops to 4ft, still light but nothing special. The 30th of September has strong offshore wind from the west at 22 mph, but only 3ft of swell – too small to really do much. Then on the 1st of October, we get a blast: 7ft SW with 16-second period, but the wind is a strong breeze from the SW at 25 mph, combined energy at 2085, but it’ll be blown out and choppy, more interesting for the kite crew than paddle surfers.

So, overall – Saturday the 19th morning is the best on offer, with that big 12ft WSW groundswell and offshore wind. It’s clean, powerful, and only for experienced surfers. The Friday afternoon the 18th and Saturday afternoon the 26th are also worth a look, especially if you want something solid but not quite as heavy. The rest of the period has lots of surf, but most of it is compromised by wind or questionable conditions. The gap after that first big weekend is only a few days, so it’s not a total blank, but you’ll be watching the charts closely for the second pulse later in the window.

Stay safe, keep an eye on that tide, and I’ll see you in the water.
Rusty

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