8th Street Jetty Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break down the next couple of weeks at 8th Street Jetty. And I’m gonna keep it real with you—it’s a rough stretch. The water temp is 25°, which is a touch warmer than normal for mid-August, so that’s a small win, but the surf is mostly a no-go.

From the 18th through the 28th, it’s a desert. We’ve got waves, sure, but they’re tiny—ankle to knee high most days. The wind is constantly onshore or cross-shore, making things messy and choppy. There’s also a lot of storm risk, especially in the afternoons, which just adds to the gloom. The swell energy is weak, mostly in the double digits (30 to 55 combined energy) – not enough push to make anything rideable. A few mornings look like they might have clean conditions, like the 19th and 20th with a cross-off breeze, but with waves that small, it’s just a flat lake with a little texture. Swell periods are short too, under 8 seconds, so it’s all junky windswell. You’d be better off staying home.

There’s a little bump on the 22nd, but it’s still poor with onshore winds and rain. Not worth the effort.

The one standout in this entire period is the morning of the 30th. The wind finally goes glassy, with a light offshore breeze, and the swell picks up to about 2ft from the ESE with a 9-second period. The energy is moderate, around 53 combined. It won’t be epic, but it will be clean and fun on a longboard. The jetty will help focus that swell, and with the wind offshore, it’ll be a much better experience. The direction isn’t perfect—a bit south of the jetty’s optimum NE—but it’ll wrap in a little. That’s the one morning you might get some clean little waves to yourself.

After that, things drop off again through the first few days of September. The 2nd has more energy in the water (139 combined energy), but the period is short and the wind turns onshore, chopping it all up. No dice.

So, here’s the plan: if you’re jonesing for a wave, mark your calendar for the morning of the 30th. It’s not a classic, but it’s the only time in the next 16 days where the stars align for a clean, rideable surf. It’s a long wait, but that’s the reality of it. Forecasts can change, so keep an eye on it, but for now, this is a waiting game.

Rusty.

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