Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it.

Right off the bat, it’s been quiet, but we’ve got a solid run of swell coming through for Bells Beach – Bowl. The first real action kicks off on Monday the 13th of July with a building SW groundswell. It’s a bit lumpy on Monday morning with that fresh offshore NW wind at 22 mph, but the waves are already a clean 8 ft with a long 16-second period. The water's sitting at 57°, which is pretty much what you'd expect for this time of year.

The standout window is Tuesday afternoon the 14th. The swell jumps to a solid 13 ft from the SW, period still a generous 15 seconds, and the combined energy hits a massive 10298 – that's serious power. Wind is a cross-offshore WSW breeze at 12 mph keeping things clean. This is advanced territory only; over 8 ft, so it’s for experienced crew. The Bowl will be firing with that long-period groundswell wrapping in perfectly over the reef and point.

Wednesday morning the 15th still looks good with a 6 ft SW swell and a gentle offshore at 9 mph. Clean conditions, but the size drops. Thursday the 16th holds around 5 ft, but the wind swings onshore from the south in the afternoon, putting a bit of a chop on it. Friday the 17th is a beauty – morning is light cross-off, and by the afternoon it goes glassy with a 5 ft SW swell, 16-second period, and light airs. Perfect for a session after work.

The weekend tails off. Saturday the 18th has small 3 ft waves, glassy in the afternoon, but it’s weak – energy down to 213. Sunday the 19th is even smaller, barely 2 ft. There’s a dry spell from the 20th through the 23rd, with waves hovering below 3 ft and mostly poor conditions. A couple of clean mornings but not worth paddling out for.

Then, looking ahead to Friday the 24th of July (that’s 11 days out, so keep it on your radar), we get another pulse. Morning sees a 3 ft SW swell, but the period jumps to 19 seconds – very long-period groundswell. By the afternoon it’s up to 5 ft with an 18-second period and moderate offshore NW wind at 12 mph. Combined energy hits 1483, and the conditions are clean. This could be a gem, especially if the long-period lines hold their shape at the point.

Saturday the 25th drops off with stronger northerly winds and smaller surf, and the following days stay mediocre through the end of the month. One to watch is Monday the 27th of July morning – 4 ft SW, gentle offshore, energy at 804 – a solid, clean option for a quieter session.

Bottom line: Tuesday the 14th afternoon is the big one for experts. Friday the 24th afternoon is the long-range highlight, promising but less certain. Crowds are possible at the Bowl, so get in early.

- Rusty

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