Jalama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's take a look at what's cooking for Jalama.

Right off the bat, this isn't a classic week. The first few days are a write-off for a decent paddle. Friday morning the 3rd has a long-period 3ft SSW groundswell, but that 9 mph cross-onshore wind from the WNW is chopping it up and the combined energy is moderate (567). Not worth your time.

We've got a dry spell for the rest of that first weekend and into the start of the following week. The wind is a problem, mostly cross or cross-onshore, keeping the surf poor or marginal. Small swell, poor conditions; it's a blank run.

Now, things start to get a bit more interesting around Tuesday the 7th. The swell is still only around 4ft from the SSW, but the combined energy starts to climb into the strong range (1229). The wind is still a cross-offshore on Tuesday afternoon, 19 mph from the NNW, which cleans it up a bit but it's fresh. Still, the ratings are just marginal, so not a standout.

The real shift happens Wednesday the 8th in the afternoon. The swell direction swings to the NW and jumps to 7ft, but the period drops to a short 8 seconds – that's windswell, not groundswell. The combined energy is strong (1189), and the wind goes cross-offshore from the NNW at 19 mph, cleaning it right up. This is big, clean, and powerful – this is expert territory only. Thursday the 9th is similar, with a 8ft NW swell at 9 seconds and clean afternoon cross-offshore winds. Combined energy is very strong (1310). This is the best on offer for the whole outlook. If you're an experienced surfer and you can handle some size, Thursday afternoon on the 9th at Jalama is the standout. Crowds are something to keep in mind here though – it's exposed and very consistent, so expect company.

Friday the 10th sees the swell dropping to a more manageable 7ft NW, with a light 6 mph cross-onshore wind in the morning. Better for a bigger range of surfers, still a good pulse. Saturday the 11th has onshore wind in the morning, which is a shame.

The window of decent surf dries up after that. By Sunday the 12th, the swell is back up to 8ft but with short period and strong cross-shore wind making it poor again. The middle of next week, from Monday the 13th, it’s still sizeable (8ft) but short-period and messy. Not a good look.

There’s a tiny flicker of life on Friday the 17th of July – a 3ft WNW groundswell with 16-second period and clean cross-offshore winds in the afternoon. It's small, but the energy is moderate (677) and the conditions would be clean. A long shot for the patient surfer on a longboard maybe, but nothing to get excited about.

So, to wrap it up: ignore the first week. The clear standout is Thursday the 9th of July. Big NW swell, clean late, and plenty of energy. It’s an expert day. Friday the 10th is the next best call for those who want a bit less size.

-Rusty

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