Jacobs Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it.

We’ve got a solid window of surf coming up at Jacobs Bay, but it’s not for the faint of heart. This is a beginner-friendly spot that’s about to get absolutely hammered by some serious southwest groundswell. The water is sitting at 57°F and that’s a good 3°F below the norm for this time of year, so it’s a bit nippier than usual – you’ll want a decent spring suit.

The forecast kicks off on the morning of Saturday, August 8th, and it’s already game on. We’re looking at a solid 8ft SW swell with a long 13-second period. The combined energy is massive at 2376, and with glassy conditions and a light SSW breeze, it’s going to be clean. But here’s the catch: at 8ft, this is already pushing the limits for a beginner break. This is excellent for experienced surfers, but if you’re learning, this might be a day to watch from the sand.

That afternoon, the swell jumps to 12ft SW (14 seconds) with a 15 mph onshore wind. The energy is roaring at 4308, and it’s simply too big for this spot. Same story for Sunday the 9th – 10ft SW swell holds all day, but with a 28 mph cross-offshore wind from the SSE. It’ll be clean, but again, way too big for a beginner zone. The energy is pumping, but it’s not user-friendly.

Monday the 10th and Tuesday the 11th see the swell drop back a bit. Monday morning has 8ft SSW swell but a stiff 22 mph cross-offshore breeze, making it a messy, marginal day. But Tuesday morning, August 11th, is a proper standout. You’ve got a 7ft SSW swell, a 13-second period, and a light 6 mph offshore wind from the east. The energy is 1597, and the conditions are clean and glassy. This is the best on offer for the intermediate to advanced crew – the offshore wind will really groom those lines.

Wednesday the 12th is worth a mention. A 6ft WSW swell, but the period is a massive 19 seconds. That’s very long-period groundswell. Energy is 2048. The wind is cross-offshore in the morning, but by the afternoon it turns offshore with a moderate breeze. This long-period swell will be better for points and reefs, but at a beach break like Jacobs Bay, it might break a bit too straight. Still, it’s worth a look for the more experienced.

The rest of the first week and into the second week is a mixed bag of marginal conditions. The swell hangs around, but the winds get messy. Thursday the 13th is too big and windy. Friday the 14th is a write-off with a near-gale. Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th are marginal with cross-onshore and cross-shore winds.

But then, look at Monday, August 17th. The morning is glassy again, with a 10ft WSW swell and a 16-second period. The energy is an enormous 5091. This is a massive groundswell, and it’s clean. But it’s 10ft – that’s expert-only territory at this break. If you’re not comfortable in heavy, powerful surf, stay away.

The final standout is Thursday, August 20th. The swell is a massive 12ft to 15ft WSW, with a combined energy hitting 7634. That’s a huge amount of power. But the wind is a strong 19 to 25 mph cross-shore, making it a lumpy, choppy mess. This setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing. It’s not a day for a traditional surf at Jacobs Bay.

The last few days (21st to 23rd) are all marginal, with the swell dropping back but the wind staying onshore or cross-shore. Nothing to get excited about.

So, the real highlights are Tuesday morning, August 11th for the best mix of size, clean offshore wind, and manageable power. And Monday morning, August 17th for the big, clean, glassy groundswell, but that’s strictly for the experts.

Rusty.

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