Backdoor 4 Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, I’ve had a look at what’s on offer for the next 16 days, and to be honest, the waiting game is on. We’ve got a long stretch of pretty ordinary conditions before a proper window opens up. The first week and a half is mostly a write-off, but there’s a couple of days later on that have some real potential.

The first real glimmer of hope isn’t until Friday the 14th of August. The morning sees a clean 6ft S swell rolling in with a period of 10 seconds, and a gentle cross-offshore breeze. The combined energy is solid at 652 (moderate to strong). The afternoon gets even better, with a 5ft S swell and moderate offshore winds, keeping things clean. This is padding you out nicely.

Then Saturday the 15th of August morning is the standout. It’s a 6ft S swell with a 10-second period, and gentle cross-offshore winds. The combined energy is 646 (moderate to strong). This is the best of the whole run, with clean conditions and a decent amount of push. The afternoon gets a bit windier with a 22 mph offshore, but the morning session is the one to aim for.

After that, conditions drop off again. There’s a bit of a surprise on Thursday the 20th of August, with a 4ft S swell and glassy conditions in the morning. The combined energy is 213 (moderate), and it’s clean. That’s a nice little session. Then Friday the 21st of August morning also looks good, with a 3ft S swell, a 10-second period, and glassy conditions, with energy at 290 (moderate).

The water temperature is sitting at 64°F, which is about 0.9°F cooler than the long-term average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

Alright, here’s the breakdown. For the first week, from Thursday the 6th through to Wednesday the 13th, it’s a real struggle. The winds are mostly cross or onshore, and the swell is small and messy. It’s a dead zone, and you’re better off doing something else. The real action starts on Friday the 14th, peaks on Saturday the 15th, and then we get a couple more decent windows on the 20th and 21st.

The standout is Saturday the 15th of August morning at Backdoor 4 (Big Island). The swell is 6ft from the S, with glassy to clean conditions. It’s a very consistent reef break, exposed to the south swell, and the wind is set to be perfect. The combined energy is strong at 646. This is the one to circle on the calendar. Just keep in mind that this spot can get crowded, so get in early.

The second good option is the morning of Friday the 21st of August. Again, Backdoor 4 (Big Island) with a 3ft S swell, glassy conditions, and a 10-second period. The energy is 290 (moderate). It’s not as big, but it’ll be clean and fun.

Remember, the long-range stuff for the 15th and 21st is promising but a bit less certain, so keep an eye on the forecast. For the rest of the time, it’s a write-off, but it’ll turn around.

Rusty.

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