Bolinas Jetty Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s happening in the water. We’re looking at a bit of a slow start, but there’s some promise brewing later on.

Right now, the surf is pretty small. We’ve got a weak, inconsistent swell in the water, and the conditions are just okay. The water here at Bolinas Jetty is sitting at 59°F, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year, so that’s a nice little bonus.

The first real chance to get a halfway decent wave kicks off on Thursday, July 23rd in the morning. We’re looking at a small 3ft swell from the SSW, with a long period of 14 seconds. That’s a groundswell, which means it’ll have some shape, but at a beach/jetty setup, that long period might make it break a little straight. The wind is cross-offshore, keeping things clean. The combined energy is moderate (274). It’s not a standout, but it’s a start.

Friday, July 24th and Saturday, July 25th mornings are similar. That same small, clean swell (2ft – 3ft) from the SW with a very long period, 24 seconds to 21 seconds. The energy is picking up a bit (744 to 870 – moderate), but these periods are so long, the waves will be very inconsistent. You’ll be sitting there a while between sets. The wind is cross-offshore, so it’ll be clean while you wait.

Now, Monday, July 27th is where things get interesting. The morning session is the best on offer early on. We’ve got a 3ft swell from the SW, period of 18 seconds, and a light cross-offshore breeze. The energy is up to 775 (moderate), and the forecast says expect very good surf conditions. This is the one to target if you want a clean, fun morning.

The following week, things get a bit more mixed. Wednesday, July 29th morning is another highlight. Similar 3ft SW swell, 16-second period, but with a light breeze of 6 mph. The energy is solid (852) and it’ll be clean. This is a solid pick for a mid-week surf.

Then we hit a bit of a change. From Thursday, July 30th afternoon, the swell direction swings to the WNW, and the period drops to a short 8 seconds. This is windswell, and the wave heights jump up, hitting 6ft by the afternoon of the 30th, and 8ft on Sunday, August 2nd afternoon. The energy is moderate to strong (up to 954), but that short period will make for a bumpy, choppy mess. It’s not really worth paddling out for.

Thursday, August 6th morning is a nice one to wait for. The swell drops back to 4ft from the WNW, period comes back up to 10 seconds, and the wind is a light offshore breeze. The energy is low (327), but it’ll be clean and fun. A good way to finish the run.

The absolute standout of the whole forecast is Tuesday, August 4th afternoon. We’re looking at a solid 8ft swell from the WNW, with an 11-second period. The combined energy is very strong (1548). The wind is cross-offshore, so it should be clean. This is proper, powerful groundswell. But let me be clear: 8ft is expert territory. This is a big, powerful wave for the jetty. If you’re not on your game, sit this one out. If you are, it’s the best wave of the 16-day window.

So, that’s the story. A slow start, a couple of fun days in the first week, and then a big, powerful swell for the experts in the second week. Keep your eyes on Monday, July 27th morning and Wednesday, July 29th morning for the cleanest, most fun waves. And mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 4th afternoon if you’re looking for a heavyweight session.

Rusty.

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