Jarosite Reef Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surf is finally looking like it’s on the move for Jarosite Reef after a bit of a slow start. The first few days are a bit of a write-off, so don't get too excited about the early part of the week. We’ve got some proper groundswell filling in from the southwest, and it’s going to bring some solid, clean waves. Water temp is sitting at 56°F, which is pretty much normal for this time of year, so you’ll want the hood and gloves.

The first real chance to get in the water is Thursday morning, the 20th. The swell is tiny, only 2ft, but it's straight out of the SW with a 14-second period and clean offshore NW wind. It’s not going to be big, but it’ll be a lot better than the messy slop we’ve had the last few days. The energy is weak, though, with a combined energy of 227.

Then things start to switch on Friday, the 21st. The swell bumps up to 4ft, still from the SW, with that long 15-second period. Morning NW wind is light and offshore, and the afternoon goes WNW offshore too. This is looking like your first proper window for Jarosite Reef. The energy is moderate at 561, and the waves are going to have some real push. This is when it starts to get interesting.

Saturday, the 22nd, the swell is on the rise, but the wind and tide are making it a bit tricky. Morning brings 5ft from the SW, period 16 seconds, and clean conditions, but it’s flagged as marginal. The energy is getting strong, at 1060. By the afternoon, it jumps to 6ft, but the wind goes cross and light, which will mess with the surface. It's a lot of water for a reef, so you’ll want your wits about you.

The standout is Sunday morning, the 23rd. We’ve got 5ft of SW swell with a 14-second period and a solid offshore NW wind. This is the best combination of size, power, and clean conditions. It’s rated for experienced surfers, and with a moderate energy of 1151, this is the session you want to be circling. It’s going to be proper out there.

After that, the swell fades and the wind turns nasty. Monday the 24th gets messy with a fresh WSW cross-off and rain, and then Tuesday and Wednesday are totally blown out by southerly cross-onshore winds. Not worth paddling out.

There’s a little glimmer Thursday morning, the 27th, with light offshore WNW wind and a clean 3ft of long-period SW swell, but the energy is still weak. It’s a score, but it’s not going to be a classic.

The next real standout is way out there on Saturday, the 29th. The swell jumps to 7ft from the SSW, but the period drops to 8 seconds, which is a real short-period windswell. Morning looks clean with a light WNW cross-off wind, and it’s for experts only at that size. Energy is strong at 1231, but the short period will make it a bit walled-up. The afternoon sees the same size but a 13-second period and a light SSE wind that goes onshore. Keep your eyes on the morning.

And then, looking further out, Monday the 31st has solid 7ft SW swell with a 17-second period, which is very long-period groundswell. Morning wind is light and cross, but with that much water moving and the long period, it might be breaking too straight for the reef. It’s a big call, but it could be the biggest of the window, just not the cleanest.

So, for my money, Sunday the 23rd morning is the pick of the whole forecast. It’s the perfect blend of size, direction, and clean offshore wind. If you can’t make that, Friday the 21st is your backup. The rest is a bit of a lottery.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty

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