Kelso (Happy Wanderers) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it. Over the next couple of weeks, Kelso (Happy Wanderers) has some real solid windows, especially in that second week. A bit of a quiet patch mid-period too, but we’ll get there.

We’re looking at Wednesday afternoon, 15th July, to kick things off. The water temp is sitting at 71°, which is bang on average for the time of year, nothing unusual there. Swell is around 7ft from the east with a 10-second period, giving us moderate energy (869) and a clean cross-off breeze. That’s a nice session to start with – clean, fun-sized waves.

Thursday the 16th is a beauty for the early birds. Morning has 5ft east swell with glassy conditions and barely a breath of wind – 3 mph from the ENE, so that’s glassy. The afternoon stays similar with 5ft and glassy again. Two good sessions. Energy is moderate, in the 580s.

Friday 17th sees a drop to 4ft in the morning with a light cross-shore, but the afternoon picks up with 4ft and clean conditions again. Not huge, but still a decent little run.

Then there’s a gap. From Saturday 18th right through to Tuesday 21st the quality falls off. Swell drops, winds turn onshore or cross-on, and the scores are poor to marginal. Saturday morning is a write-off with cross-on wind and choppy conditions. Even Sunday and Monday have fresh winds making things messy. Tuesday afternoon shows a little promise with 3ft and a clean cross-off, but it’s the only bright spot in that stretch.

Now, Wednesday 22nd July – that’s the standout. The morning has 7ft from the SSW with a very long 16-second period, and combined energy is strong at 2147. It’s a bit cross-on in the morning but the afternoon? Clean cross-off breeze with 6ft of long-period SSW groundswell (15 seconds) and energy of 1469. That’s a serious session for experienced surfers – long lines, real power, and clean faces.

Thursday 23rd gets big – 12ft from the SSW in the morning with a long 15-second period, but with onshore wind from the NE, so it’s pretty gnarly. That’s only for experts and it’s rough. The afternoon has 10ft but strong cross-on wind and chop. Not the day for a paddle.

Friday 24th morning is back in the sweet spot: 6ft SSW groundswell, 15 seconds, clean cross-off breeze, and excellent conditions for experienced surfers. Energy is 1349. The afternoon sees the wind picking up to 25 mph, so that’ll be a handful.

Another quiet stretch hits from Saturday 25th through Monday 27th July – mostly marginal or poor, with strong winds and messy seas. The swell sticks around but the quality isn’t there.

Then Tuesday 28th morning brings 5ft from the SSW with 12 seconds and a light cross-off. Clean again, moderate energy (635). That’s a solid mid-week window.

Wednesday 29th morning looks good too – 4ft with a long 15-second period, clean, and energy of 679. A very clean, fun-sized groundswell.

Thursday 30th finishes the run with 7ft from the SSW but it’s onshore wind and choppy – not the best way to end.

The best on offer overall? Wednesday 22nd July afternoon is the standout – clean, powerful groundswell, cross-off wind, and excellent conditions for experienced surfers. Friday 24th morning is also right up there.

Take it easy,
Rusty

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