J-Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, mate, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s cooking for J-Bay. The forecast is a bit of a slow starter, but there’s a couple of absolute gems on the horizon, especially for the crew who don’t mind a bit of size.

The first real action actually kicks off on Monday, 3rd of August, but it’s not much to write home about. We’ve got a 5.9ft swell from the ESE with a weak 11-second period, and the wind is a light cross-shore from the NNE. The water’s sitting at 62.9°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year, so you’ll want a decent wetsuit. The combined energy is moderate at 1408, but the consensus is it’s marginal at best. Not your day.

Things start to turn around on Tuesday, the 4th of August. The morning session is looking clean with a 4.6ft SW swell, a 12-second period, and a nice cross-offshore breeze from the North. The combined energy is still a moderate 1032, but the conditions are good for experienced surfers. This is a solid, fun option.

Wednesday the 5th keeps the funk going with a 4.3ft E swell in the morning (10-second period, cross-offshore NW wind, energy 848). It’s clean, but small. The afternoon brings a bigger pulse: 5.6ft from the SW with a very long 16-second period, and cross-offshore SW winds. The energy jumps to a strong 1818. This is where the groundswell starts to show its teeth, but that long period might make it a bit straight at the main beach. Keep an eye on The Point.

Now, here’s the first standout. Thursday, 6th of August. The morning is an absolute ripper for the experienced crew. We’re talking a solid 9.8ft SW swell, 14-second period, with clean cross-offshore SSW winds. The combined energy is a very strong 3789. This is big, powerful, and clean. Not for beginners – this is a paddle-out for the boys who know what they’re doing. The afternoon picks up to 11.5ft, but the wind goes a bit mod, so the morning is the pick.

Friday the 7th is still pumping, with 8.2ft SW swell and a 14-second period. The morning is clean with a light cross-offshore SW breeze, and the energy is a very strong 2869. Another excellent session for the experienced. The afternoon gets a bit onshore, so be an early bird.

Saturday the 8th is a treat. The wind goes offshore from the WNW, light at 6 mph, with a 8.2ft SW swell holding at 14 seconds. The energy is a very strong 2380. This is a classic J-Bay morning. The crowds can be around here sometimes, but with this quality, you’ll want to be out there early.

Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th are write-offs. The wind swings onshore and picks up to 19 mph, with rain and lumpy conditions. The swell is still big – 9.8ft to 11.5ft – but it’s a mess. Forget it.

We get a brief window back on Wednesday the 12th of August. The morning is clean with a 4.9ft E swell and a light cross-offshore W wind. The energy is moderate at 773. It’s a fun, smaller option for a cruise.

But the second standout is a beauty. Thursday, 13th of August. The morning brings a 6.9ft SW swell with an incredible 18-second period. The wind is light and cross-offshore from the SW. The energy is a very strong 2866. This is a long-period groundswell of the highest order – perfect for the Point. The wave will have unbelievable shape and power, but the sets will be slow and very clean. This is a true session for the connoisseur.

Then, the absolute pick of the whole 16 days falls on Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th of August.

Friday the 14th of August morning: the wind goes glassy. Zero. The swell is a solid 9.8ft from the SW, 15-second period, and the combined energy is a staggering 4105. Absolutely exceptional conditions for the experienced. The line-up will be thick, but the wave will be a dream.

Saturday the 15th of August morning: the swell peaks at 11.5ft from the SW, 14-second period, with a light cross-offshore SSW breeze. The energy is an extreme 5020. This is the biggest and most powerful of the run. For experts only. This is a session that could be the best of the year.

The following days, Sunday the 16th and Monday the 17th, fade back to a more manageable 7.9ft and 4.6ft, with the wind looking clean at times, but the energy drops away. Tuesday the 18th sees a return of big 9.8ft swell, but with onshore winds, so it’s a no-go.

So, to wrap it up: the first few days are a warm-up. The real standout is the window from Thursday the 6th, through to Saturday the 15th. The two absolute best sessions are the glassy morning of

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