Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Bells Beach – the Bowl. This is a reef and point setup that loves a solid SW groundswell, and we’ve got a decent run ahead, but you’ve gotta pick your moments.

The water’s sitting at 56°F, which is pretty much spot-on for this time of year – no major anomaly to worry about.

Right now, Monday 17 August morning is a bit of a tease. We’ve got a 3ft SW groundswell with a long 16-second period and moderate energy (539), but the wind is a light cross-shore, which leaves the surface a little ripply. It’s surfable, but not the pick. The afternoon gets worse with onshore wind and the score drops right off.

Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 are write-offs – tiny swell, messy winds, just leave the board in the car. Rain and strong breezes, not worth it.

Now, Thursday 20 August morning has me paying attention. The swell is small at 2ft, but direction is SW, period 14 seconds, and we’ve got clean offshore NW wind at 16 mph. The energy is moderate (227), and conditions are described as moderate offshore and clean. It’s not big, but if you’ve got a log or a fish, the Bowl will be peeling nicely. Crowds are possible here, but on a Thursday morning you might get a few quiet ones.

Friday 21 August is the standout of the week. Morning gets a 4ft SW groundswell with a 15-second period and solid energy (561), paired with a gentle offshore NW breeze. The call is “very good surf conditions.” Afternoon stays clean with offshore wind too, though a touch stronger. This is the session to aim for – clean, lined-up groundswell at one of the world’s classic point-and-reef setups. Just be aware, crowds are sometimes an issue here, but the quality will draw them.

Saturday 22 August sees a jump in size – 5ft in the morning, up to 6ft in the afternoon – with energy climbing into the strong range (1060–1869). The wind turns cross-shore and onshore though, and the comments mention questionable tide conditions. For experienced surfers, there’s power, but it’s a bit raw and bumpy.

Sunday 23 August is another top pick. Morning has 5ft SW swell, 14-second period, strong energy (1151), and clean offshore NW wind at 12 mph. It’s described as “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” The afternoon holds up well too, with 4ft and clean offshore wind. This is a proper Bells session – solid, clean, and rippable. If you can handle the lineup, this is one of the best on offer.

Monday 24 August drops off – fresh cross-off wind and rain, energy fading. Tuesday 25 through Wednesday 26 are all poor – small, onshore, choppy. A real lull.

Thursday 27 August morning brings a small hope: 3ft SW groundswell with a very long 18-second period, clean offshore WNW wind at barely a breath, and moderate energy (384). It’s clean but small – a glassy morning for the patient.

Friday 28 August morning is similar – 2ft, offshore NW wind, clean but small. The afternoon bumps up to 4ft but with a shorter period.

Now, Saturday 29 August – this is the big one for the second week. Morning has 7ft SSW swell, but the period is a short 8 seconds, which means it’s windswell – punchy and peaky. Energy is strong (1231), wind is light cross-off, and conditions are described as “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That size is only for experts – over 8ft is expert-only, and 7ft is pushing it for most. The short period means the waves will be steep and close together. Not for the faint-hearted, but if you’ve got the skills, Saturday morning will fire. Afternoon jumps to 7ft, 13-second period, and massive energy (2790), but the wind goes onshore – messy.

Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August drop back to 4–7ft, with marginal conditions due to cross-shore or cross-on winds. Not the cleanest.

Tuesday 1 September has 4ft SW swell with a fresh offshore cross-off wind, but the strong breeze will make it a bit lumpy, and the scores are low.

Overall, the two true standouts are Friday 21 August morning for the clean, classic groundswell and Sunday 23 August morning for the solid size and perfect offshore wind. If you’re an expert, Saturday 29 August morning offers a big, punchy challenge. There’s a noticeable gap of poor surf from Tuesday 25 to Wednesday 26 August – a couple of days to give the beach a rest.

Stay stoked, choose your window wisely, and I’ll see you out the back.

- Rusty

Read more