Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, it’s Rusty. We got 16 days of surf ahead, and it starts off a little flat, but there’s a monster waiting later on that’ll get the blood pumping. The early days are clean and small, nice for a stretch, then we build into a serious SW groundswell aimed right at the Bowl.

First real waves come Thursday afternoon, July 30, at Bells Beach – Bowl. It’s a reef and point, exposed to the SW, consistent. Water temp is 57°F, about average for the time of year. Swell is 5ft from the SSW with a 13-second period, moderate energy (675). Wind is WSW at 15 mph, cross-off, clean but nothing to rave about. Get the arms warmed up.

Friday morning, July 31: 4ft SW, 12 seconds (371 energy), light WNW wind, clean. Friday afternoon turns glassy—calm S wind at 3 mph, 3ft SSW, 12 seconds (409 energy). Real nice for a quiet trim.

Saturday August 1 is a little highlight. Morning has 2ft SW, 17-second period (532 energy), northerly breeze, clean. Then Saturday afternoon: swell jumps to 5ft SW, still 17 seconds, energy rockets to 2001—strong. NNE wind at 6 mph, cross-off, clean. Good for experienced surfers on this point.

Sunday August 2: 4–5ft SW, 16 seconds, wind from the N and NNW at 12 mph, cross-off. Energy drops to 989 and 740—moderate. A cruisy day.

Monday August 3 morning: fresh offshore NW wind at 18 mph, 4ft SW, 14 seconds (818 energy), clean. Monday afternoon builds to 5ft SW, 14 seconds (1004 energy), cross-off W wind.

Tuesday August 4 afternoon hits 6ft SW, 11 seconds (1287 energy). Moderate WSW wind, cross-off, but shorter period will make it a bit bumpy.

Then a lull. Wednesday August 5 drops to 2–2ft, very long period 18–19 seconds, but only 393–405 energy. Clean but small. Thursday 6 to Friday 7 stays small, 3–4ft, messy wind shifts and rain. Not worth it.

Saturday August 8 is poor: 2ft SW, 14 seconds, ENE wind at 12 mph creates cross-chop. Only 166 energy. Skip it.

Sunday August 9: fresh NNE breeze at 22 mph, 3ft SW, 17 seconds (577 energy). Clean cross-off, but strong wind ruins quality.

Now here’s the real standout. Monday August 10: moderate offshore NW wind at 15 mph, 4ft SW, 16 seconds (957 energy), clean. But Tuesday August 11 afternoon is the one: 13ft SW swell—yes, 13 feet—14-second period. Energy hits 7575—that’s heavy, powerful water. Gentle WNW wind at 9 mph, cross-off, clean. This is expert-only. Over 8ft, so only for the crew who know what they’re doing. Long-period SW groundswell on this reef and point will produce grinding, down-the-line walls. Best session of the whole period.

Wednesday August 12: onshore and cross-shore wind, 5–5ft SW, 12 seconds (around 865 energy). Messy.

Thursday August 13 is another standout: morning has 3ft SW, 18 seconds—very long period—1052 energy. Gentle W cross-off, clean. Afternoon pushes 6ft SW, 10 seconds (1795 energy), light W breeze. Excellent conditions.

Friday August 14 winds down: 4ft SW, 18 seconds (929 energy) in the morning, gentle W breeze, clean. Afternoon stays clean with 4ft SW, 17 seconds (856 energy). A nice finish.

Best day: Tuesday August 11 afternoon with that massive 13ft SW swell and clean conditions. Second pick: Thursday August 13 for longer-period clean groundswell. Crowds are possible at Bells, so get out early on the big days.

Rusty.

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