Bells Beach - Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s on the cards for the Bells Bowl stretch.

We’re kicking off Wednesday morning, July 29th, and to be honest, it’s a bit of a mess to start. The onshore wind is howling from the southwest at 22 mph and the swell is a lumpy 10 ft, with some serious energy behind it (4764). The water’s sitting at 57°, which is about average for this time of year, so no drama there. But don’t even bother paddling out that morning – it’s poor. The afternoon cleans up a bit with a cross-off breeze and a solid 12 ft SW swell, but the periods are still long at 15 seconds. That’s proper groundswell, but Bells can handle it. The wind is better, and the energy is massive (9439), so if you’re an expert, Wednesday afternoon could be worth a look.

Thursday morning, July 30th, the swell drops to 5 ft, still coming from the SSW with a 13-second period. The wind is light and cross-off from the WNW at 9 mph, so it’s clean. Not a standout, but a fun little morning session if you’re keen.

Now, here’s the first real standout. Saturday afternoon, August 1st. The wind goes glassy light from the north, the swell builds to 5 ft from the SW, and the period stretches out to a very long 17 seconds. The energy is ramping up (2048) and the conditions are described as excellent for experienced surfers. This is a classic Bells bowl – clean, long-period groundswell, perfect for the reef. The water is still around 57°, and with the crowds labelled as “sometimes”, you’ll likely have some company, but it won’t be a zoo. This is the one to circle.

Sunday, August 2nd, the wind picks up to 16 mph from the north, still cross-off, but the swell drops a little. It’s okay, but not special.

The following week has a few flashes. Wednesday morning, August 5th, is tiny at 2 ft but with a very long 19-second period and light WNW wind. It’s a clean, glassy morning but too small to get excited about. Thursday afternoon, August 6th, goes glassy with a 2 ft SW swell and a 20-second period – that’s a very long period, beautiful for the point if the tide works, but you’ll be waiting for sets.

The next big highlight is a few days out. Monday morning, August 10th, the wind is fresh offshore from the NNW at 19 mph, the swell is 4 ft, and the energy is moderate (664). It’s clean. But the real gem is Monday afternoon: the swell jumps to 6 ft from the SW, 14-second period, and the wind is offshore from the WNW at 12 mph. The energy is strong (2151), and the conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. Then Tuesday, August 11th, keeps it going with a 6 ft SW swell, 19-second period, and offshore NW wind at 12 mph. That’s big, powerful, and clean – expert territory. The energy is very strong (2460). Both days are absolute standouts for the second week.

Thursday, August 13th afternoon, has a 7 ft SW swell with an 18-second period and a moderate offshore from the WNW at 16 mph. The energy is massive (3114), and the conditions are excellent for experienced surfers. That’s a big, powerful swell that demands respect.

So, to sum it up: the best on offer is Saturday afternoon, August 1st, for a clean, classic Bells session, and then the run from Monday afternoon, August 10th through Tuesday, August 11th, and Thursday, August 13th afternoon, for bigger, more powerful, expert-level waves. The long-range stuff is looking promising, but we all know that can change. For now, get the wax ready for those dates.

Rusty.

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