Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here with a look at the next couple of weeks. We're dialing in on one spot that's got a bit of everything on the menu.

The week starts off with a solid pulse of SW groundswell hitting Bells Beach - Bowl (reef and point). Friday morning the 17th is the real standout for the near-term. We’ve got a clean 5 ft SW swell with a very long 16-second period, and the wind is a light cross-off from the NNW. The water’s sitting at 57°, which is about average for this time of year. The combined energy is a solid 1368, so there’s plenty of push. This is top-tier, experienced surfers’ territory. The Bowl is consistent and exposed to the SW, which is exactly what we want. It’s a classic, and it’s going to be working. Crowds are sometimes a factor here, so be prepared to share.

Friday afternoon gets even better – the wind drops to a glassy SW breeze at 3 mph, with the swell holding at 5 ft and the same long period. That’s as clean as it gets.

Saturday the 18th drops off a bit, but it’s still fun. Morning brings a 3 ft SW swell with a 14-second period, and clean offshore NW wind. By the afternoon it’s glassy again with a 3 ft swell. The energy is down to 382 and 250, so it’s mellow, but for a smaller board, it’ll be fine.

The middle of next week gets a bit ordinary. Sunday through Wednesday we’re looking at small, weak swells – mostly under 3 ft with energy dipping below 200. It’s surfable, but nothing to get excited about. The wind stays mostly offshore, keeping it clean.

Now, hold on to your boards, because the forecast for Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th is a big one. A massive SW groundswell is due. On Thursday morning, we’re looking at an 12 ft SW swell with a 13-second period, and the combined energy is a whopping 5078. This is big, powerful, and only for experts. The wind is a cross-off from the W at 12 mph, so it’ll be a bit lined up but still challenging. Afternoon stays big at 8 ft.

Friday the 24th is still pumping with a 7 ft SSW swell and a very long 16-second period. The energy is 3131. This is a serious, long-period groundswell – perfect for a point and reef setup like this, but it’ll be breaking straight at a beach break. Winds are still a cross-off, so it’ll be a bit lumpy but manageable.

The swell drops through the weekend of the 25th and 26th, but we get another fun pulse on Monday the 27th. A 8 ft SSW swell with a 16-second period and a strong NW offshore wind at 12 mph. The energy is 3085. This is another excellent window for experienced surfers, offering powerful, clean lines.

After that, the swell backs off into the 5 ft to 7 ft range for the rest of the week, with mostly cross-off winds. The end of the month and into August looks dicey, with strong onshore winds and messy conditions, so make the most of the earlier windows.

The absolute best surf on offer is Friday the 17th for the unreal conditions, and Monday the 27th for the power and clean offshore wind. Keep your eyes on that Thursday the 23rd pulse if you’re an expert looking for a big challenge.

Rusty.

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