Apollo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what Apollo Bay has got cooking for us.

We've got a proper run of swell on the way, starting this Saturday. The first few days will see some serious size, so we're looking at experienced surfers only at the peak of it. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

Saturday morning (22nd August) kicks things off with a solid 16ft SW groundswell pushing through at 14 seconds, with the wind blowing offshore from the WSW. The combined energy is a massive 13550 (very strong). This is proper, heavy surf. It’s going to be a big, powerful ocean, so only for the skilled crew. The afternoon drops to a still-chunky 10ft SW swell from the same direction, wind stays offshore, and the energy is 3498 (still strong). The period stretches to 15 seconds, suggesting long lines and plenty of power.

Sunday (23rd August) cleans up nicely. The morning sees a 6ft SW groundswell (14s) with a light cross-offshore breeze from the NW, making for clean waves. The afternoon is even cleaner, with a 7ft SW swell at a very long 16-second period and a slight offshore wind. Both sessions have good energy in the 2000-1900 range. These are the kind of days where Apollo Bay's points and beach will be folding nicely.

Monday (24th August) drops a touch to 5ft SW swell in the morning and 5ft in the afternoon. Winds remain cross-offshore, keeping conditions clean. The energy is moderate (890 and 726), and this would be a great window for intermediate surfers looking to get amongst it.

Tuesday (25th) is a write-off with onshore winds and rain. Swell is small, around 4-5ft, but the wind is straight on. Not worth paddling out.

We have a quiet mid-week from Wednesday (26th) through Thursday (27th) with small, weak swell (below 3ft) and cross-shore winds. Thursday morning offers a glassy 2ft SW swell, but there's barely any energy. A gap of a couple of days with no real recommendations.

Friday (28th August) is back on. The morning brings a clean 6ft SW groundswell at a very long 17 seconds, so expect clean, well-formed lines with good power behind them (1717 energy). The afternoon stays clean with a 5ft SW swell at 16 seconds.

The absolute standout looks to be Sunday, 30th August. The morning has an 8ft SSW groundswell at a very long 18-second period, but the wind is slightly cross. The afternoon is where the magic is: a 10ft SW swell with a light cross-offshore breeze from the SSW. The combined energy is a hefty 6278 (strong), and the conditions are clean. This is heavy, powerful, and clean – a proper day for experts on the reefs and points. This is the best on offer for the whole period.

Continuing through, Monday 31st August has a glassy 7ft SW swell in the morning, and Tuesday 1st September has a strong 8ft SW groundswell with offshore winds. That last one is another strong day for experienced surfers.

The following week (from 3rd September onward) looks to have a few more promising days, with chest-to-head-high SW swell, clean conditions, and moderate energy. It’s a promising long-range look but less certain this far out.

Bottom line: The primo sessions are Sunday 23rd afternoon and the big, powerful Sunday 30th afternoon. For most of us, the mid-week gap is best spent cleaning the wax off your boards.

- Rusty

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