Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the coming weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a bit of a slow start, but there’s some real promise further out. The first few days are small but clean, then we’re looking at a proper pulse of energy that’ll get the blood pumping.

We’re kicking off Saturday afternoon, 18 July, with a tiny but glassy 3ft SW swell at Bells Beach - Bowl. Period is a solid 13 seconds, so there’s some push in it, but the size is small. The water’s sitting at 57°, which is about average for the time of year. The wind is dead calm – glassy conditions – and with that light offshore breeze, it’s about as clean as it gets. The combined energy is weak (250), so you’ll be working for your rides, but the quality will be there.

Sunday the 19th sees the swell drop a touch to 2ft, but the wind goes light offshore from the NNW, keeping things clean. It’s a similar story through Monday and Tuesday – small, clean, and surfable, but nothing to get too excited about. The energy stays in the low to mid 100s, really just a fun little run for a log or a fish.

Now, Wednesday the 22nd starts to get interesting. The morning is small at 1ft, but the wind is a moderate offshore from the WNW. Then Wednesday afternoon, the swell jumps to 5ft SW with a 10-second period, and the energy ramps up to moderate (551). The wind goes cross-offshore though, so it’ll be a bit bumpy, but the size is there.

The big one hits on Thursday morning, 23 July. We’re looking at a solid 13ft SW groundswell, with a 14-second period. The combined energy is massive (8377). This is serious, powerful swell. But the wind is a moderate cross-offshore from the WSW, which will put some texture on the face. This is for experienced surfers only – it’s way too big for beginners. The swell drops a bit in the afternoon to 10ft, but the wind goes straight cross-shore, making it a bit of a mess.

Friday the 24th is a standout. The swell drops to a more manageable 6ft from the SSW, with a long 15-second period. The wind is a moderate offshore from the WNW, keeping it clean. The energy is strong (1174). This is your pick of the week for experienced surfers. The conditions are set up for some proper, clean bowls.

Saturday the 25th holds similar size at 6ft SSW, with a gentle offshore breeze from the NW. The energy is still high (975). It’s a great session for the crew that can handle it.

We then get a bit of a lull through the end of July and the start of August, with smaller swells and some onshore winds. The 28th of July brings a big 7ft to 8ft SSW swell with a very long 16-second period, but the wind is gusty and fresh. This is power, but it’s going to be a battle.

The next real highlight comes on Wednesday, 29 July, with another 6ft SSW groundswell and a moderate offshore wind. The conditions are excellent for experienced surfers, with strong energy (1126).

Thursday the 30th sees a return to glassy conditions in the morning, with a 5ft SSW swell. The wind is dead calm again. This is a beautiful, clean window for a solid session.

The final days of the forecast get a bit dicey with some strong onshore winds, but there’s a nice little surprise on Sunday, 2 August, with a 4ft SW swell and a very long 17-second period. The wind is a light cross-offshore, and the energy is moderate (648). The waves will be clean, but that long period means the sets will be few and far between, and it might break a bit too straight for the beach. Best for the point.

So, the standout for the whole run is that Thursday morning, 23 July, for the sheer size and power, but it’s a big one. For the best balance of size, clean conditions, and quality, I’m pointing you to Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th. That’s where the magic is.

Rusty.

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