Apollo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards.

The next couple of weeks are shaping up with a steady run of solid SW groundswell, and the standout sessions are clearly the first Monday and Tuesday morning. This one isn't for the groms though—most of the good stuff is in the 5 to 7 feet range, with a few sessions pushing well past that. The water temperature is sitting at 57°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so you won't need the thickest steamer but a good 3/2 will be welcome.

The week kicks off proper on Friday the 28th. Morning sees a 5 foot SW swell with a very long 18-second period, and a gentle offshore wind from the west. That's classic Apollo Bay (Apollo Bay) form—clean lines, plenty of energy, and the combined swell energy is a meaty 1525. It's a big, powerful groundswell, so expect those sets to sweep through with long waits between them, which actually makes the paddle out a bit easier. This is excellent for experienced surfers, but the afternoon gets a bit cross-off and drops off.

Saturday 29th is a bit smaller at 4 feet, but the clean offshore wind hangs in all day. It's a nice, manageable size for an intermediate session, and the energy is a moderate 736. Sunday 30th steps back up to 6-6 feet with a 13-14 second period. The morning is the pick with a gentle offshore breeze.

Now, for the real highlight: Monday 31st of August. Morning has a 6 foot SW swell at 15 seconds, and the wind is a glassy offshore breeze from the west—it doesn't get much cleaner than that. The combined energy is a strong 1758. Then the afternoon is absolutely dreamy with glassy conditions and an energy reading of 1948. This is the session to put a cross through on the calendar. Tuesday 1st September is still fun, but a strong NNW cross-off wind kicks in, dropping the quality.

The swell builds again from Wednesday 2nd September into Thursday 3rd. Wednesday morning is a gem: 6 foot SW at 15 seconds with a gentle offshore wind, energy at 1471. The afternoon climbs to 7 feet with continued offshore flow and energy at 1802. That’s the second standout—perfect for anyone comfortable on a bigger wave. Thursday drops off with cross-off winds.

Here’s where it gets wild. Friday 4th September sees a massive spike: 21 feet from the WSW. The combined swell energy is a staggering 22219. That is way, way too big for this break—it'll be a washing machine and a half. Only absolute specialists on a big-wave sled should even look at it; for 99% of surfers, this is a day to watch from the cliff or, to be honest, maybe the kite surfers will be having a ball. Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th are still heaving in the 8 to 12 foot range with cross-off winds and moderate to strong energy. Still a lot of water moving around.

After that, it eases back. Monday 7th September is a nice recovery day with a clean 6 foot SSW and glassy morning. The following days get messy with onshore winds and rain on the 8th and 9th—best left alone. By Thursday 10th, it drops right down to 3-4 feet, glassy again but tiny. The run finishes strong on Saturday 12th September with 6 to 8 feet SW at a lovely 16-17 seconds, clean offshore winds, and energy up at 2583 and 3087.

To sum it up: if you're keen on a solid, grinding SW groundswell with clean conditions, you’ve got two no-brainers. The absolute best on offer is Monday 31st August, morning and afternoon—the glassy, 6 foot, 15-second SW swell with very strong energy is a proper dream session. The second standout is Wednesday 2nd September morning, with 6 feet and a gentle offshore wind, building to a bigger afternoon. After that, the week closes with another solid Saturday session. Just watch out for that monster day on the 4th.

Rusty.

Read more