Hikkaduwa (A-Frame) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about what’s brewing for Hikkaduwa.

Honestly, for the next 16 days, it’s a rough stretch for the paddle crew. We’re looking at a solid two-week period where the conditions are just not cooperating. The first real chance to even think about a wave doesn’t show up until mid-August, and even then, it’s a marginal call. There’s a lot of groaning and complaining in the forecast, so don’t expect much.

The main break, Hikkaduwa (A-Frame), is a reef setup that’s fairly consistent, but the wind is the enemy here. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so nothing wild there.

From Tuesday, August 4th, all the way through to Sunday, August 16th, it’s a write-off. The wind is howling from the west and northwest, 12 to 19 mph, making everything cross-onshore and choppy. The swell is coming from the south and southwest, but the energy is frustrating. While the combined energy is reading high, like 1512 up to 2318, the poor surf conditions are dropping the quality to zero. It’s big, messy, and blown out. For a beach and reef setup like this, the wind is just too strong, and honestly, if you’re into kite surfing, this stretch might look more interesting than trying to paddle.

On Monday, August 17th, we finally see a little flicker. The afternoon shows a 3ft swell from the south with a very long period of 19 seconds, and the combined energy drops to 1136. The wind finally eases to a gentle breeze from the WSW and goes onshore, which is not ideal, but it’s a step in the right direction. The wave comment calls it marginal, but after two weeks of zero, that’s a glimmer of hope. The period is super long, so it’s a groundswell that will be better shaped at the reef, but with onshore wind, it’s not going to be a classic.

Tuesday, August 18th, offers similar marginal conditions with a 4ft to 4ft south swell, but the wind picks back up to a moderate breeze from the west, keeping it choppy. The combined energy is back up to 1651.

The best of the whole run, if you can call it that, is a potential standout on Wednesday, August 19th. The morning shows a 4ft swell from the SSW with a very long period of 19 seconds. The combined energy is strong at 2084. It’s still onshore, but the wind is only a moderate breeze. This is the one period where the swell direction (SSW) is a closer match to the optimum SW direction, and the long period means there’s energy and shape. It’s still marginal, but it’s the only day worth a look. Keep in mind, that setup is often crowded, so expect company if you paddle out.

So, bottom line: a long, dry gap from the start until August 17th, then a few marginal days. August 19th is the best bet, but it’s not a guarantee. The forecasts can change, but for now, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

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