Jelly Bowl Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin’ for Jelly Bowl over the next couple of weeks. I’ll be straight with you – this one’s a tough stretch.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a long, dry gap. The first day with any surf at all is Saturday the 18th of July, but it’s not worth paddlin’ out for. The whole first week is a struggle. We’re lookin’ at tiny swell – mostly 1ft to 3ft – and the wind is almost always cross-on, messin’ up what little shape there is. The water is a very unusual 67°F – that’s 5°F warmer than normal for this time of year, so you could almost go for a swim without a wetsuit, but don’t expect a wave.

The combined energy of all swells directed here is weak, with values mostly between 156 and 265 (moderate energy). The swell is comin’ from the SSW or SW, which is actually the optimum direction for this spot, but with such small height and constant cross-on wind, it’s just not workin’. The period is mostly long, 11 to 18 seconds, which is groundswell, but that long period on a reef break like Jelly Bowl can sometimes make it straighten out and close out. And the reef is a beginner spot, so 2ft to 3ft with a long period is not the best match.

The only two days that even get a “marginal” nod are Sunday the 26th of July and Wednesday the 29th of July. On the 26th, morning shows a bit of clean, offshore wind from the SW at 6 mph, with 2ft swell from the SSW at 19 seconds. The energy gets up to 382 – that’s moderate energy – but the height is still small and the period is very long. It’s a gamble. The 29th morning has a similar story: 2ft from the SSW, 16 seconds, with a light cross-on from the SSE. The energy is 399, but the wind is just a little off.

The very end of the run, on Friday the 31st of July and Saturday the 1st of August, sees the swell push up to 3ft from the S, with periods around 13 to 15 seconds. Energy is strong, over 400, but the wind is still cross-on or onshore. It’s not the clean, glassy stuff we dream of.

Honestly, there’s no standout session here. The best bet is probably the morning of Sunday the 26th of July, when the wind is offshore and the swell is just enough for a fun little wave. But it’s a long way out, and the forecast confidence is lower. Bring a longboard and low expectations. This spot is fairly consistent, so it’s a bit of a bummer run, but forecasts can change.

Rusty.

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