Vilano Jetty Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, let’s get real about this stretch. The next couple of weeks are pretty grim to start. We’re looking at a long, quiet gap with barely anything worth paddling out for. The first real glimmer of hope doesn’t show up until Sunday the 23rd, and even then, it’s just a tiny tease.

The Long Wait (Now through Saturday 22nd):
Nothing. Zero. Nada. For over a week, waves are tiny – mostly around 1.0ft to 1ft – with a mix of cross-off and onshore winds. The swell energy is weak (under 70), and the wave comment nearly every day is “poor surf conditions.” The water’s sitting at 84°F, which is about average for the time of year. Honestly, it’s a write-off. Don’t bother checking the cam until later.

Sunday 23rd – A Little Glimmer:
Finally, on Sunday afternoon the 23rd, we get a bit of life. The swell bumps up to 3ft from the ESE, and the period stretches to 12 seconds – that’s some groundswell character. The energy jumps to 186 (moderate), but the real kicker is the wind going glassy. That’s a rare treat. The waves are surfable, but the comment says “very ordinary conditions.” It’s not the day to call in sick, but it’s the first window to get wet.

Wednesday 26th – The Best on Offer:
Now we’re talking. Wednesday the 26th is the standout. The morning is a bit meh, but the afternoon is where it’s at. Swell hits 2ft from the East, and the period goes long – 15 seconds. That’s a very long period groundswell. The energy is strong at 201, and the wind is a light cross-off from the SSE, keeping things clean. The wave comment says “expect good surf conditions.” This is your window. Vilano Jetty will be exposed to that East swell, and the long period will make for some nice, lined-up waves. Remember, long period like this can make the waves a bit more walled up at a beach setup, but the jetty might help focus it. The crowds are listed as “sometimes,” so you might have some company, but it won’t be a battle.

Thursday 27th & Friday 28th – The Run Continues:
Thursday the 27th is solid too, with 2ft to 2ft from the East at 13 seconds, and clean offshore winds in the morning. Energy is moderate to strong. Friday the 28th is the real gem. The morning brings 3ft from the East at 13 seconds, with clean offshore WSW wind and energy of 321 – that’s strong energy. The wave comment is “expect good surf conditions.” This is a serious session. The afternoon holds up as well.

After That – It Fades:
From Saturday the 29th onwards, it gets messy. The swell stays around 2ft to 3ft, but the wind goes onshore and choppy, and the period drops out. By the end of the month, it’s small, weak, and blown out. A couple of glassy mornings on the 30th and 31st might offer a clean, tiny wave, but don’t expect much.

The Call:
If you’ve got one day to paddle, make it Friday the 28th of August. The morning will be clean, with 3ft East swell, long period, and strong energy. Wednesday the 26th afternoon is a close second. The rest of the run is a gamble at best.

Rusty.

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