Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s coming our way for the Bells Beach area.

We’ve got a 16-day window ahead, but it’s a bit of a slow burn to start. The first solid surf worth talking about pops up on Wednesday the 29th of July. The early part of the week is pretty marginal, so don’t get too excited about Tuesday.

Wednesday the 29th sees the swell start to build. The Bowl is picking up a solid 10ft SW groundswell in the morning, with a period of 16 seconds – that’s proper energy. The combined swell energy is pumping at 4703 (moderate to strong). It’s a bit cross-off with a fresh breeze, so it’s clean but pushing. By Wednesday afternoon, it gets serious. We’re looking at 15ft SW swell, 15-second period, and the energy jumps to 12442 (very strong). That’s a lot of water moving. The wind is a moderate cross-off, still clean. This is expert territory, no doubt. Anything over 8ft is only for the skilled, and this is well past that. If you’re a beginner, sit this one out.

Thursday the 30th, the swell drops a notch. Morning sees 5.5ft SSW with a 13-second period, energy at 1154 (moderate). Wind is moderate cross-off, clean. It’s a more manageable size, but still a bit of muscle. By afternoon, 8ft SW swell, same period, and energy at 2640 (moderate). Clean again. This is still a solid session for experienced surfers.

Friday the 31st, the swell eases further. Morning has 4ft SSW, 12-second period, light cross-off breeze. Energy is 411 (weak to moderate). It’s clean. The real standout on Friday is the afternoon: glassy conditions with wind from the south at just 3 mph, almost dead calm. The swell is 3ft SSW, 12-second period, energy at 395 (weak). It’s small, but that glassy surface will make it feel like a dream for a longboard or a funboard. Crowds are possible here, so get out early.

Saturday the 1st of August, the morning is small with 2.5ft SW, but a very long 17-second period. Energy is 514 (weak to moderate). Light cross-off, clean. That long period means the waves will have good shape but long lulls. The afternoon is the pick of the weekend: 4.5ft SW, 17-second period, offshore wind from the NNW at 6 mph, and energy at 2161 (moderate). The forecast says excellent for experienced surfers. That’s a proper session.

Sunday the 2nd of August, the swell drops back. Morning has 4.5ft SW, 16-second period, but a fresh offshore is blowing at 18 mph, which can make it a bit tricky. Energy is 952 (moderate). Clean, but that wind is strong. Afternoon is smaller and cleaner with a moderate breeze.

Monday the 3rd of August is a write-off for good surf. The wind is onshore or cross-onshore, and the swell is weak. Not worth paddling out.

Tuesday the 4th of August, the morning is small again, 3ft SW, 12-second period, light cross-off, clean. Energy is 496 (weak to moderate). The afternoon gets a very long-period 22-second SSW groundswell, but it’s tiny at 2ft and cross-onshore, so it’s choppy and messy. That long period will make it break tricky at the point.

The standouts:

- Wednesday 29th July afternoon: The biggest swell of the run. 15ft SW, 15-second period, clean with a moderate cross-off. This is the big one, but only for experts. The energy is massive (12442). If you’re experienced and want a challenge, that’s your window.
- Saturday 1st August afternoon: 4.5ft SW, 17-second period, light offshore, and clean. The forecast is calling it excellent for experienced surfers. This is a beautiful, powerful session without the insanity of Wednesday. Crowds are possible, but it’s worth it.

Later in the week, we have another promising window. Wednesday the 5th of August morning has 4ft SW, 18-second period, light cross-off, and energy at 1890 (moderate). The afternoon is a glassy gem: 4ft SW, 17-second period, dead calm wind, and energy at 1588 (moderate). That’s a magic afternoon session, clean and long-period.

Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th of August both have clean, small surf in the mornings, with Friday afternoon offering a very long 21-second SW groundswell at 2.5ft, with light cross-off. That’s a cool, long-period wave for a point break – it’ll wrap in nicely.

The second week sees a few more pulses. The 10th and 11th of

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