Jennette's Pier Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at what the next couple of weeks have in store for us at Jennette’s Pier.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – it’s gonna be a tough watch for a while. We’ve got a long, dry spell coming. From now through to Saturday the 20th of September, it’s basically a write-off. The swell is tiny, the wind is all over the shop – mostly cross, cross-on, or just messy – and the wave energy is barely a whisper (as low as 33 to 221 on the energy scale). There’s nothing worth paddling out for. You’re better off checking the tackle for dings or just enjoying the beach.

The light finally switches on around Monday the 21st of September. Sunday morning, the 21st, is a proper early alarm situation. We see a solid jump in energy to 676, with the swell coming from the NE at 8ft. But the real treat is the wind: a light westerly breeze, which means offshore and glassy clean conditions. That’s the standout of the entire run, no question. The water’s sitting about average for this time of year at 79° and the energy is moderate. It won’t be huge, but it’ll be rideable and clean right here at Jennette’s Pier. By the afternoon, the wind swings back onshore and messes it up, so make that morning session count.

The next morning, Tuesday the 22nd, has some size (7ft) but the easterly wind is pumping at 22 mph straight onshore, turning it into a choppy mess. Pass.

We get a second chance on Thursday the 24th of September. The morning looks glassy – dead calm with a 5ft swell from the east at a decent 9-second period. That glassy surface is the big selling point here, a real chance for some clean, smooth waves even if the energy is still modest (355). Afternoon winds wreck it again.

Looking further out to Saturday the 27th of September, the Sunday morning session looks promising on paper. We’ve got 7ft of east swell with a long 10-second period, and it’s nice and clean with light offshore from the NW. The energy is strong (912). This is a promising longer-range call, but with a week to go, keep your expectations in check. It’s a classic setup for a point break or reef, so at a beach/jetty like this, that longer period might mean occasional sets that close out a bit.

Now, we get a big one on Saturday the 26th of September. Morning and afternoon both show a solid 10ft of NE swell with clean, cross-offshore wind. The energy numbers are huge – 1513 and 1390. But, and it’s a big but, 10ft at a beach/jetty is serious. This is expert territory. For most of us, it’ll be closing out and dangerous. Kite surfers will likely be having the time of their lives though.

So, bottom line: if you’re keen, the absolute standout is Monday morning, the 21st of September. Set the alarm, be on it early. The Thursday the 24th morning is a solid backup if you miss it. The bigger stuff at the end is for the brave (or the kites).

Stay stoked, stay patient.

Rusty.

Read more