J-Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for J-Bay.

The next week and a half is a bit of a mixed bag. We’ve got some solid swell on the way, but the wind is going to be the main player. For the experienced crew, there’s a couple of absolute gems in there, but you’ll need to pick your moments.

We kick things off on Wednesday the 5th of August. The water’s sitting at a very unusual 59°F, which is 7°F colder than normal for this time of year. That’s a serious chill, so you’ll want the thickest rubber you’ve got.

Wednesday afternoon is a write-off – a 6ft SW swell with a 16-second period is a nice pulse of energy (1782), but that 9 mph south wind has it all chopped up. Not worth it.

Thursday the 6th looks a lot better. A solid 12ft SW groundswell (13-second period) rolls in, with a combined energy of 4627. The wind is a clean cross-off from the southwest, so the morning session is on. This is big, powerful stuff – definitely for the experienced only.

Friday the 7th of August is the real standout. Morning brings a 10ft SW groundswell with that same long period (13 seconds). The combined energy is still pumping at 2847. But the best part? The wind is glassy. Dead calm from the northeast. This is an excellent session for experienced surfers. The afternoon turns to rubbish with a 12 mph cross-on, so get it done early.

The weekend is a bit of a washout. Saturday the 8th has a clean 8ft swell, but it’s windy. Sunday the 9th gets messy with rain and strong onshores. Monday and Tuesday the 10th and 11th are the same story – poor conditions with onshore winds. We’ve got a gap here of a few days with nothing worthwhile.

Wednesday the 12th is no good either – a long-period 21-second swell (4ft) but it’s being torn apart by a fresh onshore breeze. The energy is still decent at 2153, but the wind ruins it.

Things start looking up again on Friday the 14th of August. Another glassy morning! A 4ft SW groundswell (14 seconds) with a combined energy of 1026. The wind is calm from the north. This is another excellent session for those who know what they’re doing. The afternoon is just okay.

Saturday the 15th is clean and small, with a 3ft WSW swell. Sunday the 16th is a no-go.

Monday the 17th of August is a nice surprise. Clean conditions with a light offshore wind from the west and a 3ft WSW swell. This will be a fun, clean session for all levels.

Then we get a big pulse to finish the run. Tuesday the 18th of August sees a massive 13ft SW swell (4971 energy) roll in, but the wind is onshore from the east-southeast. That’s a big, ugly beast – only for the most experienced and not looking great.

Wednesday the 19th of August is your last true standout. An 8ft SW swell (11 seconds) with glassy conditions and a calm wind. This is an excellent session for experienced surfers. The combined energy is still a solid 1535.

Thursday the 20th finishes clean and small, with a 4ft WSW swell and a light cross-off breeze.

So, the pick of the bunch is Friday morning the 7th of August and Friday morning the 14th of August. The 7th has the size and the glass, the 14th is smaller but just as clean. Wednesday the 19th is also a cracker for the bigger wave crew.

Rusty.

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