Jacobs Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s have a look at Jacobs Bay. It’s a beginner-friendly spot, exposed to the WSW, and it’s fairly consistent – so there’s hope. But we’ve got a big swell train coming and the wind is going to play a big part in what we actually get to ride.

The water is sitting at 14.4° at the start, which is a bit colder than what’s normal for this time of year, so you’ll want a decent wetsuit.

We jump straight into it on Monday, the 27th of July. The swell is already powerful, pushing 10.0 ft from the SW with a very long period of 16 seconds. The combined energy is massive at 3736 (moderate to strong energy). That’s a lot of water moving. The wind is a cross-off from the S at 22 mph, keeping it clean, but honestly, this is too big for Jacobs Bay. It’s a beginner spot, and 10.0 ft is pushing into expert territory, especially with that long period. It’s going to be a beast.

Tuesday, the 28th, the swell drops a touch to 8.2 ft, still with a long 14-second period and strong energy (3189). The wind stays cross-off from the SE, but the surf is still borderline for the break. It’s a bit of a wait-and-see day.

Wednesday, the 29th of July, is where we start to get a window. The swell drops to 5.9 ft, period still a solid 13 seconds, and the energy is 1217 (moderate). The morning is the standout: light offshore wind from the ENE at 6 mph. That’s clean, glassy conditions. For experienced surfers, this is excellent. The 5.9 ft swell with that period will have some punch. It’s not for beginners, but for those who can handle it, this is the best on offer in the first week. The afternoon goes cross-shore, so the morning is the call.

Thursday, the 30th, the swell is 5.2 ft, period 13 seconds, energy 891 (moderate). The morning has a cross-off breeze from the SE at 9 mph, keeping it clean. It’s a solid, rideable day, but not a standout.

Friday, the 31st of July, the swell drops to 3.6-3.9 ft, period 12 seconds. The energy is down to 457 (weak to moderate). The wind is light and cross-off. It’s small, clean, and fun for a beginner on a longboard. Not a barnstormer.

Saturday, the 1st of August, the swell picks up a little to 4.6 ft, period 14 seconds, energy 781 (moderate). The wind is cross-off from the ENE. It’s a decent day, but nothing special.

Sunday, the 2nd of August, the wind turns cross-shore from the N, and the swell is 4.3-5.2 ft. The wind is getting messy, so quality drops.

Monday, the 3rd of August, the swell is 4.9-6.2 ft, but the wind is cross-shore from the N at 16-19 mph. It’s lumpy and choppy. Not a good paddle day.

Then we hit a big one. Tuesday, the 4th of August, the swell jumps to 14.8 ft from the WSW, period 12 seconds. The energy is 5700 (very strong). The wind is onshore from the WNW. This is a washing machine. It’s way too big and blown out for surfing. Forget it.

Wednesday, the 5th, the swell eases a bit to 8.2 ft, but it’s still cross-shore. The afternoon sees a 5.6 ft swell with a very long 18-second period, but with a cross-onshore wind. It’s a tease.

Thursday, the 6th of August, the swell is back up to 13.1 ft from the SW, period 15 seconds, and the energy is 6963 (very strong). The wind is cross-shore and light in the morning, but the size is just too much for Jacobs Bay. This is for experts only, and even then, it’s risky.

Friday, the 7th, Saturday the 8th, Sunday the 9th, and Monday the 10th of August are all dominated by huge swell – 9.8 ft to 13.1 ft, long periods, and very strong energy (3000-6000 range). The wind is often cross-off or light, so the waves will be clean, but they are far too big for this break. It’s a solid no-go for most.

Tuesday, the 11th of August, the swell finally drops to 7.9 ft, period 13 seconds, energy 1885 (moderate to strong). The morning has a fresh cross-off from the NNE, keeping it clean. It’s still big for beginners, but for an experienced surfer, it’s the best of a bad lot in the second week. The size is still a challenge.

The Standout: The best window is Wednesday, the 29th of July, in the morning. It’s the only time the swell is manageable (5.

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