Apollo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and let’s get into what’s comin’ for Apollo Bay. This is a beach and point setup, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag over the next couple of weeks. We’ve got some proper swell on the way, but it’s not all gonna be easy pickings.

First up, the water’s sittin’ at 58°, which is just a fraction warmer than normal for this time of year – nothin’ to write home about, but it’s comfortable enough.

The surf kicks off Sunday the 19th. It’s nothin’ huge, around 3ft from the SSW, with a clean 11-second period. The wind is glassy from the NE, so it’s tiny but clean. Not a standout, but a nice little warm-up if you’re keen.

Monday the 20th stays small, with 3ft to 2ft swell from the WSW and SW, periods up to 16 seconds. The wind is cross-off from the NNW, keepin’ it clean. The combined energy is moderate (359–239), but it’s very ordinary conditions – more of a cruise than a proper session.

Now Tuesday the 21st is where things start to look up. We’ve got 4ft swell from the SW, period 14 seconds, and cross-off NNW winds. The energy jumps to moderate (532), and the conditions are clean. This is a solid, fun-sized day for Apollo Bay – nothin’ too heavy, just good clean lines.

Here’s the standout: Wednesday the 22nd afternoon rolls in with a shift. The wind turns offshore from the WSW at 15 mph, and the swell bumps up to 8ft from the SW, period 10 seconds. The energy is strong (1818). That offshore wind will clean it right up, but at 8ft, this is gettin’ into expert territory for most. It’s powerful, it’s hollow, and it’s for the experienced crew.

But hold onto your board. Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th are absolute monsters. We’re talkin’ 16ft to 20ft swell from the SW, with periods of 14 to 15 seconds. The energy is insane – 11506 to 17044. Winds are strong offshore or cross-off from the WSW and W, up to 22 mph. This is not for the faint-hearted. This is big-wave territory, expert only. The point might handle it, but the beach break will be a washing machine. Honestly, for most, this setup looks more interesting for a kite surfer than a paddle surfer.

Saturday the 25th is still huge, with 16ft to 15ft swell from the SW, but the wind is cross-off, and the energy is still massive (11203–8575). Still only for the brave.

Sunday the 26th sees a big drop back to 5ft from the SSW, period 11 seconds, with light cross-off SW winds. The energy is moderate (671), and the conditions are clean. A nice recovery day, but nothin’ special.

After that, the week of the 27th July to the 2nd August is a bit of a lull. Swell drops to 2ft to 4ft, with periods ranging from 10 to 16 seconds. Winds are mostly cross-off or offshore, but the energy is weak to moderate (185–1212). There’s a few decent windows – like the 28th July afternoon with 4ft and offshore wind, and the 29th July afternoon with 5ft and offshore wind – but it’s inconsistent. This is a quiet stretch.

Now, the second standout comes on the 1st of August. Saturday morning sees 8ft swell from the SSW, period 9 seconds, with strong offshore wind from the WSW at 15 mph. The energy is strong (1817), and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is a proper winter swell, clean and powerful, but again, 8ft is head-high plus and only for those who know what they’re doin’. The 3rd of August (Monday) also looks good, with 5ft to 6ft swell from the SW, period 16 seconds, and light cross-off winds. The energy is strong (1450), and it’s top-notch for experienced surfers. That’s a beautiful, long-period groundswell that will wrap into the point nicely – but at 16 seconds, it’ll be a bit fat and straight on the beach, so stick to the point for the best shape.

Overall, Apollo Bay is servin’ up a wild ride. The biggest swell is mid-week, huge and dangerous, then a quiet patch, then another solid pulse at the start of August. The best bets for the experienced are the 22nd July afternoon, the 1st August morning, and the 3rd of August. For the average punter, Tuesday the 21st is your cleanest, most manageable day. Crowds are possible here, so keep an eye out.

Rusty.

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