Jacks Hole Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s break it down. It’s been a dry spell, and I mean dry. There’s a long stretch of flat, weak, or blown-out conditions for the first couple of weeks. The only real pulse comes late in the game, on Sunday, September 6th, and it’s a one-morning wonder.

The only spot that’s even in the conversation is Jacks Hole, a reef break for advanced surfers only. It’s fairly consistent when there’s swell, but that hasn’t been the case lately.

From now through the end of August, it’s all tiny. Swell heights run from 0.3ft to 2ft, with periods all over the shop, and the wind is mostly cross-on, onshore, or just choppy. The combined energy is weak – single digits or low double digits (like 5, 7, 26). Nothing worth paddling for. The 27th of August has a 2ft S swell with a 6-second period and light onshore wind – still poor. Friday the 28th afternoon has a clean offshore wind, but only 1ft of swell. Not enough.

Then we hit a real gap. From Saturday, August 30th, all the way to Friday, September 5th, it’s nothing but tiny, cross-shore, or messy conditions. September 1st has a weird 18-second period pulse but only 0.3ft of swell. September 2nd morning is glassy, but again, 0.3ft. Nothing to ride.

Finally, on Sunday morning, September 6th, we get a pulse. A 6ft S swell rolls in with a 7-second period, and the wind is offshore from the W at 12 mph. The combined energy hits 319 (moderate wave energy), and the forecast says “expect good surf conditions.” This is the one. The offshore wind will keep the surface clean, and for a reef break, that’s a gift. The short period means the waves might not be super lined up, but it’s the best we’ve seen. Water temp is about average for this time of year. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so you might have some company.

That Sunday afternoon fades fast, and Monday the 7th is back to messy, strong cross-shore winds and tiny surf. So, if you want a wave, that Sunday morning is your window.

Rusty.

Read more