Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right then, let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks.

The main event is Bells Beach – Bowl (Victoria). It’s a reef and point setup that handles a good SW swell, and it’s going to see plenty of action. The water temp is sitting at 57°, which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so no major surprises there.

We kick off on Friday the 31st of July. The morning brings a clean 4 ft SW swell with a 12-second period and a light cross-off breeze. The wave energy is moderate (371), and it’s looking like a decent session. The afternoon goes glassy with a 3 ft SSW swell and a 3 mph glassy wind – that’s a real treat for the arvo.

Saturday the 1st of August is where things get interesting. The morning is clean with a 2 ft SW swell, but the real standout is the afternoon. You’ve got a 5 ft SW groundswell with a 17-second period, clean cross-off wind, and the combined energy jumps to a massive 2097. That’s strong, powerful energy and the waves will have serious shape. This is the best session on offer – definitely for experienced surfers, as the power is up there.

Sunday the 2nd of August holds onto a 5 ft SW swell in the morning, but the wind picks up to 12 mph, making it a bit lumpy. The energy drops to 986, so it’s still rideable but not as clean. The afternoon is similar.

Monday the 3rd of August sees a 3 ft SW swell with a nice offshore wind, staying clean. The energy is moderate (767), and it’s a solid option for a wave.

Tuesday the 4th of August drops off. The morning has a 3 ft SW swell, but the wind swings cross-off and the quality fades. The afternoon turns messy with a 16 mph cross-shore and poor conditions – not worth paddling out.

Wednesday the 5th and Thursday the 6th of August are small, with 2 ft SW swells and light winds. The energy is weak (266-383), so it’s more of a longboard or a quiet day.

Friday the 7th of August brings a 3 ft SW groundswell with a 16-second period and a light cross-off. The energy is 719, and it’s clean. The afternoon gets a bit chopped up with a cross-shore, but the morning is a good one.

Saturday the 8th of August is a write-off in the morning with poor conditions, but the afternoon cleans up with a 3 ft SW swell and a moderate offshore. It’s rideable, but not a stand-out.

Sunday the 9th of August shows a 4 ft SW swell, but the wind is howling at 16-19 mph. The energy is 1332, so there’s power, but the wind will make it messy. The afternoon is similar.

Now, here’s the second big highlight. Monday the 10th of August – the afternoon is special. You’ve got a 5 ft SW groundswell with a massive 18-second period, a moderate offshore wind, and the combined energy is 1427. The report says excellent conditions for experienced surfers, and I agree. That’s a proper session, but only for the skilled crew.

Tuesday the 11th of August has a 4 ft SW swell with a fresh offshore, but the wind is strong at 22 mph. It’s going to be a battle.

The second week is a bit mixed. Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th of August have smaller swells around 2 ft to 5 ft, with moderate energy and clean conditions at times, but nothing jumps out.

Friday the 14th of August – the morning has a 6 ft SW swell with a 19-second period and the combined energy is 2456. That’s very strong, but the wind is moderate and cross-off. This is big, powerful surf, only for experts. The afternoon is similar.

Saturday the 15th of August finishes the run with a 5 ft SW swell and 1082 energy, but the wind is cross-off. It’s okay, but the best days are definitely the 1st of August afternoon and the 10th of August afternoon.

Keep in mind the long-period swells (15-19 seconds) at Bells, which is a reef and point, so they’ll wrap in nicely and offer plenty of power, but the sets will be more spaced out. For the average punter, stick to the smaller, cleaner days.

Rusty.

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