Apollo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for Apollo Bay. This is a beach and point set-up that’s fairly exposed to the SW, so when the swell lines up, it can get real good. The water’s sitting at 58°F with an anomaly of 2°F above average, so it’s a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – nice little bonus.

The first proper call is for Monday the 14th afternoon. We’ve got a clean 2 ft SW swell rolling in with a 13-second period. The combined swell energy is only 209, so it’s weak, but the wind is straight offshore from the west at 12 mph. That’ll make for some small, clean, friendly waves – a good one for the beginners or just to get the wettie wet.

Things take a real jump on Tuesday the 15th. It’s a classic case of “be careful what you wish for.” We’ve got a 12 ft to 13 ft SW groundswell, period stretching from 13 to 14 seconds, and the combined energy is massive at 5858 and 8174. That’s very strong. The problem? It’s cross-offshore wind from the WSW at 19 mph and cross-off from the SW at 22 mph. For a beach and point, that’s going to be raw, blown-out, and probably more trouble than it’s worth for most. This is strictly for the experienced crew, and even then, it might be more of a survival session than a fun one. The set-up looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing on Tuesday.

Wednesday the 16th and into Thursday the 17th settle a bit. We’ve got 10 ft SW/SSW swells with a 15-second period on Wednesday, blowing cross-offshore at 12 mph. The vibe is “marginal,” but the energy is still high (3594 and 3487). Then Thursday the 17th is where it gets interesting. You’ve got a 6 ft to 7 ft SSW swell with a 14-second period. The wind shifts to offshore from the WSW at 9 to 12 mph. The combined energy drops to a more manageable 1644 and 1214, which is moderate. The forecast says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers” for the morning. That’s the standout of this first week – clean, powerful, and well-shaped. It’s not a beginner wave, but for anyone solid, this is the one to circle.

That quality rolls into Friday the 18th, with 6 ft SW swell and a very long period of 17 seconds. The combined energy is 2808. The wind is a light cross-offshore from the NW at 9 mph. The long period means the waves will have heaps of energy and form, but at a beach break like Apollo, it might be a bit straight. It should still be a ripper morning.

Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th see the swell drop back to 3 ft to 5 ft. Saturday’s got a light cross-off breeze, and Sunday’s got 19 mph offshore but it’s not recommended. The energy is low. It’s a bit of a lull.

Now, look ahead. The second week picks up again. Monday the 21st has a 7 ft SSW swell with a 14-second period and light cross-offshore wind, and the energy is 1878. The forecast says “excellent” – it’s promising.

Tuesday the 22nd is the real standout of the entire run. 8 ft SSW swell with a 16-second period, combined energy of 3065, and... glass. Absolute glass. Wind is from the east at 0 mph. That’s rare as hen’s teeth. For the afternoon session, the conditions will be absolutely perfect for anyone keen on a clean, powerful wave. This is the one.

Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th are small and ordinary. A bit of a rest day.

Then Friday the 25th, a new pulse rolls in: 8 ft SW swell with a 17-second period, combined energy of 2982. Offshore wind from the WNW at 6 mph. It’s another “excellent” call for experienced surfers. Saturday the 26th is bigger again at 10 ft but with poor cross-onshore wind, so the quality drops. The run fades out through the end of the month with onshore winds and messy conditions.

So the picks are clear: for the near term, Thursday the 17th morning is the best of the first run. But the absolute gem is Tuesday the 22nd afternoon – that glassy, 8 ft groundswell session is a no-brainer for anyone who can handle it. The Friday the 25th morning is a solid long-range backup. Keep an eye on that Tuesday.

Rusty.

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