Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Gather round, crew. Rusty here with a look at the next few weeks for the Bells stretch. We’ve got a solid run of swell on the way, but you’ll need to pick your moments with the wind.

The overall pattern is this: a powerful pulse of SW groundswell arrives late in the month and into September, with some absolute standouts for the experienced crew. The energy hitting the coast is significant, with combined swell readings climbing well into the moderate to strong range. The first few days of September, however, bring a strong NW wind that will mess up the morning surface, but the afternoons clean up nicely. The real gem is early on, with a glassy day before the wind kicks in.

We kick off on Monday the 31st of August at Bells Beach – Bowl (reef and point). The water is sitting at 56.3°F – about average for the time of year. Morning has clean, glassy conditions with a light NW air and a solid 4.9ft SSW swell, period hanging around 14 seconds. That’s a groundswell with some real push, and the combined energy is pumping at 1099 – moderate but with intent. This is excellent for experienced surfers. The afternoon stays glassy with an ESE breeze and a 4.6ft SW swell, period stretching to 15 seconds and energy up to 1161. A beautiful day, and you’ll have some company – crowds are sometimes an issue here.

Tuesday the 1st of September sees a shift. Morning swell drops to 3.9ft SW at 16 seconds, but a strong 15.5 mph NNW cross-offshore breeze has the surface clean. The energy drops to 744, but it’s still a long-period groundswell – perfect for this reef setup. The afternoon picks up a 3.3ft SW swell with a 15.5 mph NW offshore, clean and rideable. Worth a look if you missed Monday.

Wednesday the 2nd has a 4.3ft SW swell in the morning with a 12.4 mph W cross-off, clean but the energy is moderate at 854. The afternoon is the better call: 5.2ft SW at 16 seconds with a 9.3 mph WNW offshore, energy surging to 1169. That’s the kind of clean, lined-up wave this place is famous for.

Thursday the 3rd gets heavy. Morning is a 6.9ft SW swell at 14 seconds, but a 21.7 mph W cross-off keeps it clean. Energy is 1787 – strong. The afternoon is the standout of the whole window: 11.5ft SW swell, 14 second period, and the energy is an impressive 7534. This is big, powerful groundswell. The wind is 18.6 mph W cross-off, so it’s clean, but at 11.5ft this is for experts only. If you’re not comfortable in heavy, ledgey waves, sit this one out. This is the best wave of the outlook for those with the skills.

Friday the 4th eases a touch. Morning has a 6.9ft SW swell at 15 seconds with a 12.4 mph NNW offshore, energy at 1875. Excellent conditions. The afternoon drops to 5.9ft but the wind swings 15.5 mph NNW cross-off, still clean.

The weekend gets messy. Saturday the 5th is 7.2ft SW in the morning with a 21.7 mph W cross-off – strong wind, strong swell, but the surface stays clean. Energy 1999. The afternoon is 9.8ft SW at 16 seconds, wind 18.6 mph W cross-off, energy 3784. Again, expert territory. Sunday the 6th has a 6.9ft SW swell in the morning, 16 second period, clean with a 9.3 mph N cross-off, energy 2160. A good, solid day.

Monday the 7th is a drop-off – 3.0ft SW at 13 seconds with glassy NW air, but the energy is down to 308. Fun for a longboard or small craft.

Then things go a bit pear-shaped. Tuesday the 8th through to Saturday the 12th sees onshore winds from the SSE and SSW, with lumpy, choppy conditions. There are periods with 13.1ft swell (energy 10532) on the 8th – massive, but with a 18.6 mph SSW cross-onshore, it’s a washing machine. Not one for the surfboard unless you’re a masochist. This stretch is far better suited to kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Sunday the 13th offers a small reprieve: 5.9ft swell from the SE with a short 7 second period, but a light NE cross-off keeps things clean. The energy is weak at

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