Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, grab your wetsuit, ’cause I’ve got a bloody ripper of a run coming up for the Bells Bowl. This is a proper stretch of groundswell, and the Bowl is the only game in town, so let’s get straight into it.

We’re kicking off Thursday the 3rd of September, and it’s all about the Bowl (Bells Beach - Bowl). The ocean is thumping with a big, powerful SW groundswell – we’re talking 13ft to 15ft faces with a long 14-second period. The combined energy is monstrous, sitting at 8086 to 9613, so you’re getting a serious push of water. The wind is a solid cross-off from the W at 15 mph, which is keeping the surface clean, but it’s a blustery day. This is serious, experienced-only territory; the water is about average for this time of year, no big surprises there.

Then Friday the 4th is where it gets really special. The swell drops to a more manageable 7ft, but the period stretches out to a very long 16 seconds – pure groundswell. The wind goes light NW offshore at 9 mph, and the morning is glassy. This is the standout of the whole forecast: clean, long lines, perfect for a point break setup. The Bowl will be offering up some of the best waves you’ll see. The combined energy is still strong at 2387, but it’s manageable. Crowds are a possibility, as it’s often a busy spot, but for this quality, you’ll cop it.

Saturday the 5th gets a bit rowdy. The swell is still around 5ft to 7ft with a 14-15 second period, but the wind ramps up to a strong 28 mph offshore from the WNW. It’s clean, but it’s going to be a battle to get out and stay in. The combined energy drops to 1219-1602, but that wind is a handful. Sunday the 6th is a lovely little reset: 5ft of SW swell with a 13-14 second period, light breeze from the WSW, and clean conditions. The energy is moderate (921-667), and it’s a nice, relaxed day for the experienced surfer.

Monday the 7th is a write-off – the swell drops to 3ft with a choppy cross-on wind. Tuesday the 8th brings a pulse back: 5ft of SW swell with a very long 18-second period, light WNW winds, and clean. The energy is strong at 2060, and it’s just for the experienced crew. Wednesday the 9th is messy with a cross-onshore, but Thursday the 10th is another big one. The swell jumps to 8ft from the SSW with an 18-second period, light offshore wind, and a combined energy of 4634. This is a standout for the following week – clean, powerful, and only for experts.

The second week is a bit more mixed. Friday the 11th is a return to form: 5ft SW groundswell, 15-16 second period, light N offshore winds, and clean. The energy is moderate (957-1036), and it’s a real treat. Saturday the 12th is a bit windier but still clean, with similar swell. From Sunday the 13th to Monday the 14th, it’s small and messy, with poor conditions. Tuesday the 15th gets a bit of life back with 5-6ft SW swell and a moderate offshore, but it’s not as clean.

Then Wednesday the 16th is a massive finale. The swell jumps to 13ft from the SW, with a 15-second period and a combined energy of 10462 – that’s enormous. The wind is a fresh offshore from the NW, so it’s clean, but it’s a beast. Only for the brave. Thursday the 17th is still a solid 6-5ft with offshore winds, but Friday the 18th is a washout with a strong cross-shore.

So, the standout picks are Friday the 4th for the clean, long-period perfection, and Thursday the 10th for that big, clean groundswell. If you’re a beginner, stay well clear of this whole run – it’s all over 5ft and often way over 8ft. This is proper, expert-level surf.

Rusty.

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