Black Rocks Jetty Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, this is Rusty checking in with a look at what’s on the cards for the next couple of weeks. We’ve got one spot firing up, so let’s get into it.

The forecast is all about Black Rocks Jetty, a reef break that's very consistent. The steering wind is from the NE, and it needs a solid SW swell to wake up. There’s a decent-sized run of surf to look forward to, but there’s a notable quiet spell coming up in the first few days of September, so we’ll work through it chronologically.

The first real action kicks off Wednesday morning, 26 August. We’re looking at a 5 ft SW swell with a 12-second period, and the wind is a clean cross-off from the NNW at 6 mph. The water temperature is about what you'd expect for this time of year. It’s a clean start, with moderate wave energy (935), giving us some fun, punchy waves. That afternoon, swell drops to 3 ft, but the period stretches out to 18 seconds, and with only 3 mph of north wind, it’s dead clean. The energy jumps up (1142 for a smaller wave), which is a sign of that long-period groundswell doing its thing. This is a classic case where that long-period energy will be best on the take-off at the reef. Glassy and clean – you won't be alone, crowds are possible here, but the quality will be worth it.

Thursday 27 August morning goes a bit sideways. The swell jumps to 10 ft from the SSW, but the wind is blowing straight onshore from the SW at 6 mph, which will turn it into a messy, lumpy wall. The energy is huge (4932), but that onshore wind is going to make it a battle. Afternoon stays at 10 ft but the wind swings to the SSW at 12 mph, making it a choppy cross-onshore mess. This is a pass.

Friday 28 August is very big and very rough. We’re looking at 13 ft of SW swell with a 16-second period (energy hitting 7690-8605). That's expert-only territory anyway, and with strong SSE winds (15-18 mph) creating a lumpy cross-chop, it’s a no-go for paddling. At this size and with this wind, the setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

Saturday 29 August is the highlight of this early run. The swell drops back to a still-sizeable 11 ft from the SSW (energy 4900), but Saturday afternoon is the real gem. The wind goes completely glassy, the swell is 10 ft with a 15-second period, and the forecast says "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers". That is the standout. If you can handle the size, that Saturday afternoon (29 August) is going to be incredible – just you and the swell.

Sunday 30 August morning holds glassy conditions with a 7 ft SSW swell and a 14-second period. The energy is moderate (1910), and it’s clean. A solid option for experienced surfers again. The wind starts to pick up in the afternoon, making it less appealing.

Monday 31 August is smaller, with a 4 ft clean glassy morning, but the energy is low (497) – more of a small-wave cruiser session.

Then we hit a gap. From Tuesday 1 September right through to Thursday 3 September, the surf gets tiny (1 ft to 2 ft) with very low energy (62-149). It’s flat, and the waves are ordinary. A few days of nothing much on offer.

But the second week shapes up well. Friday 4 September morning sees a return of some real quality: a glassy 4 ft SW swell with a very long 19-second period, energy at 1112. That’s the kind of long-period line that will wrap around the headland beautifully. The afternoon holds 6 ft SW swell, 17-second period, glassy. This is another standout session – promising but less certain given the distance out, but the forecast looks crisp.

Saturday 5 September keeps the run going with a solid 6 ft SW swell (14-second period) and a clean offshore NE breeze at 12 mph. Clean, groomed lines for experienced surfers.

Sunday 6 September is smaller again, and the wind turns onshore in the afternoon, so morning is the call if you’re keen.

Then we get another big pulse for the more confident crew. Monday 7 September starts pushing 10 ft from the SW, 15-second period, with light cross-shore winds. That’s a big, powerful swell (energy 3537-3755). Tuesday 8 September gets even bigger, hitting 13 ft and then 11 ft in the afternoon with glassy conditions. The afternoon of Tuesday 8 September is flagged as "exceptional surf conditions for expert surfers" with energy at 6831. That is massive, very long period groundswell. For the experts only – that's a serious, heavy day at the reef. Wednesday 9 September stays excellent but drops to a more manageable 8 ft, glassy and clean.

So, my picks are simple: Saturday 29 August afternoon is the first standout – glassy, big, and clean. Then keep your eye on Friday 4 September and Tuesday 8 September afternoon for the second week. The 8th is for experts only.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty

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