Brookings/South Jetty Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into what’s on the table for the Brookings area over the next couple of weeks.

It’s a slow start, no doubt about it. The first few days are a bit of a write-off for quality waves. We’ve got a bit of a bumpy ride ahead before we see any real promise.

Sunday is a no-go. The swell is up there at 7 ft, but it’s short-period, wind-affected stuff with a lot of energy (600) and the wind is a fresh cross-offshore. The afternoon gets even messier with 12 ft and a strong breeze, energy spiking to 1473. This is one for the experts only, and even then, it’s not friendly. Monday drops right off, tiny 1.0 ft to 1 ft swells, just not worth paddling out for.

Tuesday morning is the first real peek at something. Swell bumps back up to 7 ft from the NW, period short at 8 seconds, but the wind is a gentle cross-shore. The wave energy is strong (1309). It’s still a bit raw and the tide could be a factor, but it’s the most promising window so far. Afternoon is similar but a step down.

Wednesday through Thursday of the first week sees smaller, 4 ft to 6 ft NW swells, but the wind is light and variable, mostly cross-shore. The energy is moderate (around 353 to 468). It’s marginal, but a longboard could find something if the tides line up.

Then we hit a real lull. From Friday the 7th right through to about Tuesday the 11th, the swell drops to 2 ft to 5 ft, and the wind is all cross-offshore, mostly fresh to strong. The energy drops to weak levels (174 to 477). It’s clean, but there’s nothing to ride. A solid gap of poor surf.

Wednesday the 12th and Thursday the 13th show a bit of a pulse returning. NW swells around 4 ft to 6 ft, periods still short at 8 seconds. The energy is moderate (577 to 816). The wind is a moderate cross-offshore or cross-shore, keeping it clean-ish. Still marginal, but the afternoon on the 12th and the morning of the 13th are the best of this bunch.

The real standout, if you can wait, is the weekend of Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th. Oh boy, this one has potential. We’re looking at a long-period SSW groundswell, 3 ft to 3 ft, with a period of 17 seconds on the 15th morning and 16 seconds on the 16th. That’s a very long period. The energy is strong (1348 and 1073). The wind is light and cross-shore, making for clean conditions. This is a groundswell, so it’ll be best on a point or reef, but at Brookings/South Jetty it could still offer some well-shaped, powerful lines. The crowd is "sometimes" an issue, so get there early. This is the best on offer in the whole outlook.

Monday the 17th fades back to a 3 ft SSW swell, still long period (15 seconds), but energy drops to 690. It’s a fade-out.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a grind. The real treasure is that long-period groundswell hitting around the 15th and 16th. Mark your calendars, but remember, long-range forecasts can shift. Water temps are about average for this time of year.

Rusty.

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