Jalama Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get into it.

The next couple of weeks here are all about Jalama. It’s not looking like a classic stretch, but there’s a pulse of energy trying to get its act together. The start is a bit weak and messy, so we’ll have to be patient. Most of the action is overshadowed by a strong northwest wind that wants to mess things up. It's not all doom and gloom, but you’ll need to pick your moments.

The first few days, from the 14th to the 17th, are pretty lackluster. We’ve got some small SSW swell, maybe 2ft to 3ft, coming in with a decent period. The combined energy is moderate (545-762), but the wind is mostly cross-shore. The mornings are your best bet, but they’re calling it marginal. It’s the kind of surf where you might get a few little nuggets if you’re in the right spot, but it's definitely not worth getting too excited about. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

Then there’s a shift. From the 18th through the 26th, the swell direction swings around to the northwest and the size bumps up, but so does the problem. The period drops to a short and crumbly 7-8 seconds, which is junk. We’re seeing wave heights in the 6ft to 8ft range, so there’s some push, but that short period means it’s going to be sectiony and lack that real grunt. Combine that with persistent cross-shore winds, and it’s mostly going to be a battle. The energy is moderate (536-971), but it’s just not well organized. This period is not looking great for the average punter. It's right at that size where it could be too much for a learner, and not quite good enough for the experts to get excited about.

The real highlight, and the only thing that gets my heart pumping, is the 27th and 28th. A proper south swell arrives, and it’s a completely different animal. The period jumps to a long 13-15 seconds, and the combined energy is strong, hitting 1256 on the 27th and a very strong 2291 on the 28th. The swell direction is out of the south, right in Jalama’s wheelhouse. The size is 5ft to 8ft, which is a solid, powerful size. The catch is the wind, especially on the 27th. It’s forecast to be cross-onshore and choppy, which is a bummer because the swell is there. But the Friday the 28th afternoon looks like the standout. The wind turns cross-offshore and the forecast calls for clean conditions. That’s the window. That’s when this spot will show its teeth. This is a true groundswell, and with this period, it’ll be walling up nicely. The strong energy (1805) and the right direction make this the pick of the entire forecast.

This is a big call to make a week and a half out, so we'll call it promising but not set in stone. The long-period south swell can also make a beach break like this a bit too straight, so you'll want to find the sandbars.

Keep in mind, it’s a consistent spot, so even when it's not firing, there's usually something to salvage. But for the best of the best, you’re waiting for that Friday the 28th. Get your board ready for that one.

Rusty.

Read more