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.

We’re starting with a bit of a flat spell, to be honest. The first couple of days are a write-off. Wednesday the 22nd and most of Thursday the 23rd are looking pretty grim with that cross-onshore wind. The real story starts to build on Friday the 24th, but it’s a tricky one. The swell jumps up to 9.8 ft from the SSW with a period of 9 seconds, which is short period stuff. The combined wave energy is a solid 1510, so there’s plenty of power, but that short period means it’s going to be a bit of a washing machine. It’s also howling cross-offshore at 22 mph, which will clean it up but make it very challenging. Friday afternoon drops a bit to 8.2 ft from the S at 10 seconds, still decent energy at 2009, but it’s still going to be a handful. This is definitely for experienced surfers only; anyone less than solid intermediate should sit this one out.

Saturday the 25th morning brings a bit of hope. The wind swings around to light ENE, going directly onshore, which is a shame because the swell is a clean 4.3 ft from the SSW with a long 15-second period. The energy is still strong at 1101. The onshore breeze will mess up the surface, so it’s likely to be lumpy. The light wind on Thursday the 30th is a real standout. Thursday morning the 30th, we’ve got light offshore wind from the SW, a 3.6 ft SSW swell with a very long 15-second period, and combined energy of 1157. That’s a recipe for beautiful, clean lines at the point. The water temp is about average for this time of year, so no surprises there. This is shaping up as the best session on offer, but keep in mind that long period groundswell like this can be a bit too straight for the beachbreaks, but at Kelso (Happy Wanderers) it’s a point break, so it should handle it beautifully. Expect crowds to be possible, as it’s often a popular spot.

The start of August is hit and miss. Saturday the 1st of August morning is looking good again: a light SSW cross-offshore breeze, 3.3 ft from the SSW with a 16-second period, and the energy is 929. That’s clean, long-period, fun-size surf. The wind stays light and the conditions should be pure. The rest of that weekend and into the next week goes flat again, with a few days of no recommendation. The best of the rest is a bit of a wildcard on Tuesday the 5th of August: a 6.9 ft swell from the east at 11 seconds, but the wind is onshore at 12 mph, creating poor conditions. It’s a long-range call, so not something to bank on.

Overall, the pick of the window is without a doubt Thursday the 30th of July morning at Kelso. That light offshore, long period, and clean condition combo is as good as it gets. Saturday the 1st of August is a close second but a bit further out.

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