Apollo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, looking at the next few weeks for Apollo Bay. It’s a mixed bag, but there’s a proper monster swell coming that’ll get the blood pumping. The water temp is sitting at 58°, which is pretty much what you’d expect for this time of year—nothing wild there.

The action starts Saturday morning, July 18, with a clean 4ft swell from the SW, period 14 seconds, and a light cross-off breeze. Combined energy is moderate (639). It’s a solid, fun size for a beginner-plus spot like Apollo Bay, and the wind is manageable. Saturday afternoon turns glassy with a 4ft SW swell, period 13 seconds, and energy at 451. That’s a sweet window for the point.

Sunday morning, July 19, drops to 3ft from the SSW, period 11 seconds, still clean with a cross-off. Energy is 330. It’s a smaller day but still rideable. Sunday afternoon gets a bit ordinary with a cross-on breeze, so I’d be out of the water by then.

Monday, July 20, is a small one—3ft WSW swell with a 16-second period in the morning (energy 359), and 2ft in the arvo (energy 227). The long period means the waves will have some shape but the size is lacking. Still clean with cross-off winds.

Tuesday, July 21, picks up a notch: 4ft SW swell, 14 seconds in the morning (energy 590), and 4ft in the afternoon (energy 446). Both sessions are clean with cross-off breezes. A solid, fun day.

Wednesday, July 22, has a rough morning—light rain and 16 mph cross-off wind, just 2ft (energy 263). The afternoon brings a shift: 4ft SW swell, 10-second period, with a strong offshore wind from the WSW at 16 mph. That’s clean and punchy, energy 544.

Now, the standout. Thursday, July 23, is a big one. Morning brings a massive 15ft SW swell, 14-second period, energy a whopping 9800. The wind is a strong cross-off, but this is only for the brave—over 8ft, it’s expert territory. Afternoon drops to 8ft with a 17-second period, energy 5858. Still huge.

But the real king is Friday, July 24. Morning: 15ft SW swell, 14 seconds, energy 11202. Afternoon: 16ft SW, 14 seconds, energy 12860. Both sessions have a moderate offshore wind from the WNW and W. This is exceptional surf for expert surfers, period. The long period (14 seconds) means it’ll be powerful and clean, but on a beach-and-point setup like Apollo Bay, the point will handle it best. This is the best on offer in the whole window.

Saturday, July 25, drops to 7ft in the morning (energy 1613), 6ft in the afternoon (energy 1113), both clean with cross-off winds. Sunday, July 26, is a write-off—16 mph winds, poor conditions, energy dropping to 346.

Monday, July 27, delivers again: 10ft SW swell, 12 seconds in the morning (energy 4125), 12ft in the afternoon (energy 6345). Both clean, excellent for experienced surfers. Tuesday, July 28, has big 15ft and 13ft swells, but nasty cross-on winds from the SSE make it choppy. Energy 11877 and 8771. More for the kite crew than paddle surfers.

Wednesday, July 29, backs off to 5ft and 5ft, clean, energy 1174 and 771. Thursday, July 30, is small and poor by afternoon. Friday, July 31, brings a 7ft SSW swell, 10-second period, morning clean (energy 1675)—excellent for experienced surfers.

Saturday, August 1, has a glassy morning with 6ft SW swell, 16-second period, energy 1629. Excellent for experienced surfers. The long period means it’ll be a clean groundswell, best on the point. Sunday, August 2, is a messy 7ft and 7ft with cross and onshore winds.

Overall, the clear standout is July 24—if you’re an expert, that’s your day. The second best is July 23 and July 27 for the big, clean swell. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so for the big days, get in early.

Rusty.

Read more