Surfer carving a wave on a Tolhurst surfboard

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

SURFING IN APOLLO BAY

Apollo Bay faces east, which makes it one of the most sheltered spots on the Great Ocean Road. When the open coast is huge and messy, the bay is often clean. Here's where we'd point you, depending on the swell, the wind and how long you've been surfing.

TODAY'S CONDITIONS

APOLLO BAY SURF SPOTS

Five breaks within an hour of the shop, from the beginner-friendly main beach to the heavier water out at Johanna.

APOLLO BAY MAIN BEACH

Right in town, a short walk from the shop.

THE WAVE: Sand-bottom beach break with lefts and rights. Waves build in size and power the further north you go from the harbour.
WHEN IT WORKS: Needs a south-west swell to wrap into the bay. West to north-west winds are offshore. Works on most tides.
WHO IT SUITS: The best place to learn. It's sheltered when the open coast is too big, and patrolled in summer.
WATCH OUT FOR: Busy in the summer holidays. Swim and surf away from the flagged area when it's patrolled.

MARENGO

About 3 km west of town, past the end of the foreshore.

THE WAVE: Left and right reefs around the Marengo Reefs Marine Sanctuary, plus a smaller inside wave and beach break.
WHEN IT WORKS: Best on a south to south-west groundswell with a westerly wind. Consistent through the year, best in winter.
WHO IT SUITS: The outer reefs are for experienced surfers. Smaller days on the inside can suit improvers.
WATCH OUT FOR: Rocks and rips, and it gets crowded when it's on. It's a marine sanctuary, so leave the reef life alone.

SKENES CREEK

About 6 km east of town, easy access off the Great Ocean Road.

THE WAVE: Beach break with peaky lefts and rights.
WHEN IT WORKS: Opens up to more swell than the main beach. Best with lighter winds from the north to west.
WHO IT SUITS: Surfers with some experience. It can get rough when there's size in the water.
WATCH OUT FOR: Rip currents. Not patrolled.

KENNETT RIVER

About 25 minutes east of Apollo Bay towards Lorne.

THE WAVE: Rivermouth break over a mix of reef and sand, with lefts and rights.
WHEN IT WORKS: Best on a south swell with north-west winds, from low to mid tide on the push.
WHO IT SUITS: Friendly on smaller days, and a good stop if you're driving the coast. Keep an eye out for koalas in the trees on the way in.
WATCH OUT FOR: Busier on weekends and holidays. Banks shift after big swells.

JOHANNA

About 45 minutes west, inside the Great Otway National Park.

THE WAVE: Exposed beach break with a left-hand point. Picks up swell when everywhere else is flat.
WHEN IT WORKS: Very consistent. Best on a south swell with light north to north-east winds.
WHO IT SUITS: Experienced surfers only. It's powerful, remote and unpatrolled.
WATCH OUT FOR: Strong rips, rocks and sharks have all been reported. Never surf it alone.

WHEN TO SURF APOLLO BAY

AUTUMN & WINTER

The most consistent time of year. Southern Ocean groundswells roll through and westerly winds groom the bay and Marengo. Cold water, fewer people.

SPRING

Still plenty of swell around, but the wind gets fickle. Check the report each morning and be ready to move.

SUMMER

Smaller and friendlier, which makes it the best time to learn on the main beach. Afternoon sea breezes come in from the east, so get out early.

WHAT WETSUIT DO I NEED?

Bass Strait water stays cool all year, roughly 13°C in winter to around 18°C at the end of summer. Most locals wear a 4/3 steamer for most of the year, adding boots and a hood in the depths of winter, and drop to a 3/2 at the height of summer. Not sure what fits? Come in and try a few on. We stock Rip Curl and Patagonia wetsuits.

NO BOARD? NO WORRIES.

We do surfboard hire from the shop at 141 Great Ocean Rd. Call (03) 5237 7883 to check what's available, and check the Apollo Bay surf report before you paddle out.