Located on the Batavia Coast just south of Kalbarri in Western Australia, Jakes is a world class rocky reef/point left hander. The wave breaks over an incredibly shallow and sharp rocky shelf which is often exposed as the wave thunders down the point. This wave starts as a heavy, ledged, blisteringly fast barrel and retains its power, speed, and shape for the full point. Surfing here requires either advanced levels of surfing ability or naive bravery due to the inherent dangers of the wave. The Indian Ocean swells wrap around the point and can break for up to 200 meters, serving up kegging barreling sections that will make any hellman (or hellwoman) delight.
What are the best surf conditions for Jakes?
This wave gets good between waist-high to triple overhead. We recommend riding your gun, standard shortboard, or step up when bigger here. Jakes is best suited for intermediate to pro-level surfers. This wave does not break all the time (4/10) and will get busy when the swell is on (5/10). The area houses a very talented group of locals, but if you show respect and have patience you will get a wave or two. The best winds for Jakes are Southeast, and the best tide is mid to low (although low exposes more rocks). The best swell direction is from the South, Southwest and West, although too much West in the swell will make certain sections unmakeable.
We recommend wearing a springsuit in summer with the warmest water temperature a pleasant 21 degrees in February. In winter we recommend wearing a 3/2 wetsuit with temps being a brisk 16 degrees! See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
