Kelso (Happy Wanderers) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming our way.

Straight up, the next week and a half is going to be a real mixed bag. We’ve got some solid swell windows, but the wind is going to be the main player, and it’s not always going to be our mate. The standout period looks to be around Thursday the 13th through to the start of the weekend, with some clean, glassy conditions and a bit of size.

We kick off this Sunday the 9th, but honestly, it’s not worth paddling out. There’s a small 3ft SSW groundswell with a long 15-second period, but the wind is cross and fresh in the arvo, making it messy. The combined energy is weak (279), so you’re better off waiting.

Monday the 10th sees a big jump in size, but it’s not the cleanest. We’re looking at a solid 12ft S swell in the morning, dropping to 10ft in the arvo. That’s well into expert-only territory. The period is a shorter 9 seconds, and while the wind is cross-off, it’s a strong breeze at 25 mph. The energy is massive (1920), but the quality is marginal.

Tuesday the 11th is still big but dropping. Morning swell is 7ft from the S, with a short 8-second period. The combined energy is moderate at 760. The wind is still a moderate cross-off, so it’ll be clean, but the short period means it’s going to be a bit lumpy and fat. Still only for the experienced crew.

Now, Thursday the 13th is where we might get a real window. The morning is looking glassy with a light S breeze, and a clean 6ft ESE swell (574 combined energy). It’s not huge, but that glassy wind will make it smooth as butter. This is the pick of the first week for those intermediate surfers who want some fun, clean lines. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

Friday the 14th morning is also promising with glassy conditions again, and a 4ft E swell at a better 10-second period (641 energy). That’s a nice, clean option.

After that, from Friday arvo through to the end of the third week of August, the wind turns onshore and the swell gets a bit jumbled. Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th see 6ft to 7ft E swell with an 11-second period, but it’s onshore wind, so expect bumpy, closed-out faces. Not worth it for a paddle.

We then hit a dry spell from Monday the 17th to Wednesday the 19th. Swell drops to 3ft to 5ft, and the wind is cross-onshore and choppy. The energy is weak (138-446). This is a real flat, messy patch.

Things start to look up again on Thursday the 20th with a fresh S swell. Morning sees 6ft S swell (747 energy) with a clean cross-off breeze, but it’s a strong 22 mph. The arvo is better with 6ft S swell and a longer 14-second period (1275 energy), but still a moderate wind. It’s clean, but that wind is stiff. Keep an eye on it.

Friday the 21st is a bit more relaxed with a 4ft S groundswell (11 seconds, 631 energy) and a light cross breeze. It’s marginal, but if you’re keen, it’s the best of that later run.

The final weekend, the 22nd and 23rd of August, is a write-off. The swell is small, and the wind is a fresh cross-onshore or strong cross-off. Energy is low (306-371). Leave the board in the car.

The Best Bet: That Thursday the 13th and Friday the 14th morning window is where it’s at. The glassy conditions with chest-high, clean swell are the real highlight. Don’t sleep on it.

Rusty.

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