Kelso (Happy Wanderers) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the pipe for the next couple of weeks.

The pattern starts a little slow around here, but there’s a real standout window coming up on the 19th of July that’s got my blood pumping. That Sunday afternoon, Kelso (Happy Wanderers) is looking prime. We’ve got a solid 4ft of swell rolling in from the SSE, with a period of 12 seconds – that’s proper groundswell, meaning real shape and plenty of energy. The combined energy is sitting at 1054 (moderate to strong), so it’s got some punch. The wind is light from the south, just a light cross-off breeze, which is going to keep the surface clean. The water temp is around 71°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there. This is your best bet for the whole outlook.

Leading up to that, Friday the 17th afternoon is a decent warm-up. We’ve got 4ft from the east with a 10-second period, and that light southerly cross-off (6 mph) will keep it tidy. Combined energy is 363 (moderate), so it’s not a world-beater, but a fun little session.

Saturday the 18th has a small morning swell (3ft from the SSW) but it’s a cross-on breeze, so the surface will be a bit messy. The afternoon cleans up nicely with a 3ft south swell and a long 13-second period, 459 combined energy, and light winds. It’s a small wave, but the quality is there.

Now, the good stuff. Sunday the 19th afternoon is the pick of the entire forecast. Like I said, 5ft, SSE, 12 seconds, and clean cross-off winds. The energy is ramping up (1054). It’s a point break, so it should handle that long-period swell well. You’ll want to be on it.

Monday the 20th morning sees the swell bump up to 5ft from the SE, with a 12-second period and a massive 1114 combined energy. But it’s onshore wind from the ENE, and the conditions are unknown. It’s a bit of a gamble. By the afternoon, the wind swings to the NE at 12 mph, making it choppy and poor. Tuesday the 21st is a write-off with onshore winds and messy conditions.

There’s a bit of a lull in quality through the middle of the week. Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd are not recommended. The 23rd does have a 7ft SSW swell with a short 8-second period in the morning, and a 5ft S swell in the afternoon, but it’s a short-period windswell and the wind is 12 mph. It’s clean, but it’s not going to be the best shape.

We’re looking at a big gap of poor conditions from the 24th all the way through to the end of the month. The 25th of July has a tempting 6ft from the SSW with a very long 17-second period, and the combined energy is a massive 1974 (strong), but it’s blown out by strong NE winds. That’s a kite-surfing setup, not a paddler’s wave.

The 27th of July has a touch of hope with a 5ft to 5ft SSW swell and a very long 16-17 second period, but the wind is a fresh 19 mph cross-off. It’s going to be a battle, and the quality is questionable. The 28th onwards fades away into small, poor, and choppy conditions. The last few days of the month and into August are tiny, with low energy and poor winds.

So, to sum it up: the 19th of July at Kelso (Happy Wanderers) is the standout. Sunday afternoon. Strong, clean, and good energy. The 17th and 18th are your warm-up sessions. After that, it’s a long wait for a clean window that might not come. Stay patient, and keep an eye on the wind.

Rusty.

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