Jacobs Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty, and I’ve been staring at this forecast for Jacobs Bay, wishing I could send you out with a grin. But the truth is, for the first few days, the sea is throwing a tantrum. The swell is just too big, over 8 ft, which makes it experts-only territory, and even then, the conditions are messy. Water temp is sitting at 57°F, which is a bit colder than usual for this time of year, so you’ll want a solid wetsuit.

Come Thursday the 6th of August, we’ve got a solid 10 ft swell from the southwest, period 13 seconds, and the combined energy is a massive 3598 – that’s strong, powerful stuff. But the wind is a cross-off at 9 mph, which is actually clean, but the problem is the size. It’s too big, even for beginners. The afternoon stays similar, with a 12 ft swell and 19 mph cross-off. It’s just not the day for a paddle.

Friday the 7th of August is the same story: 12 ft swell from the southwest, period 14 seconds, and the energy is through the roof at 4132 in the morning and 4749 in the afternoon. The wind turns offshore out of the east at 6 mph in the morning, which is a dream, but the wave faces are still too big. It’s a show, not a go.

We’ve got a bit of a lull on Saturday the 8th, with the swell dropping to 8 ft and a cross-shore 6 mph wind, but it’s only marginal. Not worth the paddle. Sunday the 9th is a write-off: 10 ft swell and 31 mph winds. That’s a kite surfer’s dream, not a surfer’s.

It’s not until Tuesday the 11th of August that we see a window. The swell drops to 7 ft from the south, period 13 seconds, and the morning has an offshore wind out of the east at 6 mph. The energy is still healthy at 1904, and it’s clean. This is the standout for the first week. The conditions are excellent for experienced surfers, but it’s still a solid set, so beginners beware. The water is still a bit chilly, but it’s worth it.

The real gem, though, comes on Monday the 17th of August. The swell is 8 ft from the west-southwest, period 13 seconds, and the wind is glassy – zero mph. That’s as good as it gets. The energy is 2187, strong and clean. This is a morning for the diehards, the ones who know that a glassy 8 ft swell is a gift. It’s excellent for experienced surfers, and the crowds are possible, so get there early.

After that, the forecast drops off. The second week sees a return to smaller, more marginal swells, and the winds get messy. The 20th of August has a 10 ft swell from the south with a short period of 8 seconds, but it’s too big and the wind is cross-off. Not worth it.

So, if you’re looking for a wave, circle Tuesday the 11th and Monday the 17th. The 17th is the best of the lot, but it’s a long way out, so keep an eye on the forecast. Until then, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

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