Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break down what’s coming for Bells Beach.

The first week of September is looking pretty solid, with a couple of sessions that are real standouts. Right now, the focus is on Bells Beach – Bowl (Victoria). The water temp is about 57°, which is a bit warmer than usual for this time of year, so that’s a nice little bonus.

We start on Tuesday, the 1st of September. The afternoon is looking clean with a 3ft SW swell and a nice 15-second period. The wind is offshore, so the lineup will be smooth. The combined energy is moderate (448), so it’s not a massive push, but it’s a good start.

Wednesday the 2nd sees a bump in size. The morning brings 5ft SW swell with a very long 16-second period, and the wind is cross-offshore. The energy jumps to 1161 (moderate), and it’s looking clean. The afternoon holds similar with 5ft SW swell (15 seconds, 1220 energy). Both sessions are clean, but the forecast notes some tide concerns.

Thursday the 3rd gets bigger. The morning has 6ft SW swell (14 seconds, 1480 energy) with a cross-offshore breeze from the WSW. The afternoon pushes to 7ft SW (14 seconds, 1972 energy). Still clean, but the wind picks up a bit and the conditions might be a little tricky.

Now, Friday the 4th – this is the real standout. The morning has 8ft SW swell with a very long 16-second period, offshore NW wind, and the combined energy is pumping at 2658 (strong). The afternoon follows with 7ft SW (16 seconds, 2242 energy). This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The wind stays offshore, so expect clean, powerful waves. Bells will be doing what it does best.

Saturday the 5th is a bit of a fall. The wind gets strong from the W at 25 mph, making things messy. The morning is 6ft SW (15 seconds, 1399 energy) but the cross-offshore wind is strong, and the afternoon is 8ft SW (14 seconds, 2595 energy). The quality drops, and it’s marginal at best.

Sunday the 6th is a nice rebound. The morning has 5ft SW (14 seconds, 928 energy) with a light offshore NW breeze, so it’s clean and fun. But the afternoon steals the show – glassy conditions with NNE wind at 3 mph, a 5ft SW swell (14 seconds, 773 energy). That’s a glass-off at Bells. It doesn’t get much better.

Monday the 7th is small. The morning has only 2ft SW (13 seconds, 184 energy) – glassy but weak. The afternoon is 2ft SW (13 seconds, 181 energy). It’s surfable, but ordinary.

Tuesday the 8th is worth a mention. The morning has 3ft SW with a very long 18-second period (586 energy) and light cross-offshore wind. The afternoon, though, is a late call: 8ft SW (17 seconds, 3870 energy) with a light offshore NW wind. That’s big, powerful, and clean. For experienced surfers only, this is a serious session.

Wednesday the 9th is a write-off. The morning is 16ft SW (17 seconds, 17033 energy) with a strong cross-onshore wind from the SSW at 28 mph. The break is basically too big, and the wind is onshore. The afternoon is 12ft SSW (17 seconds, 6602 energy) with similar wind. Unless you’re a tow-in nut, stay out.

From Thursday the 10th through Tuesday the 15th, the surf is mostly small, or the wind is onshore, or both. There are a few glimpses of clean conditions, like Sunday the 13th afternoon with 5ft SW (15 seconds, 978 energy) and glassy conditions, and Tuesday the 15th morning has a tiny 2ft SW (15 seconds, 234 energy) with offshore wind. But it’s mostly a quiet period.

Wednesday the 16th has 3ft SW (19 seconds, 740 energy) in the morning, but it’s cross-onshore and messy. Not worth a paddle.

So, the best on offer? Friday the 4th is the clear winner – big, clean, offshore, and powerful. Sunday the 6th afternoon is a close second for those glassy, clean conditions. If you’re an experienced surfer, don’t miss Tuesday the 8th afternoon either, but that’s for the brave.

Signing off, Rusty.

Read more