Katagai Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, and I’ve had a good look at what’s coming up for Katagai over the next couple of weeks. Let’s get into it.

The forecast kicks off on Wednesday morning, August 26, with a bit of clean, glassy surf on the way. That’s the standout right out of the gate. Swell is coming from the SSE at 3 ft with a period of 10 seconds, so a nice little groundswell with some push behind it. The combined energy is moderate at 329. Water temp is sitting at 82°, which is a touch warmer than average for this time of year, so you’re getting a bit of a bath. Wind is glassy from the WSW at 3 mph. That means the waves will be smooth and clean—perfect for a beginner or anyone wanting an easy session. The break is a breakwater setup, very consistent, and crowds are often there, so expect company. The swell direction from the SSE lines up nicely with the optimum SE direction. This is your best bet of the whole run.

Thursday morning, August 27, is still surfable but the conditions are ordinary with moderate rain and a cross-off wind. Swell drops to 3 ft from the SSE, period 10 seconds. It’s clean but not special. By Thursday afternoon, the swell switches to ESE at 2 ft with a 13-second period—that’s long period, which can make for some drawn-out lines, but the size is small. Combined energy is moderate at 213.

Friday, August 28, the morning has some clean rights with a 2 ft ESE swell, period 12 seconds, and a light WNW cross-off. Energy is moderate at 343. Not a standout, but a solid session for the right crew.

Saturday, August 29, is a write-off. Strong onshore cross-shore winds mess things up. Sunday morning, August 30, turns glassy again with a 2 ft E swell, period 12 seconds, but combined energy is weak at 98. The waves are ordinary, not dangerous, just not great.

From Monday August 31 through to Friday September 4, it’s a rough patch. Winds are onshore or cross-shore, and the swell quality is poor. There’s a spike in energy on Wednesday September 2 with a 3 ft S swell at 15 seconds (very long period, good shape potential) but it comes with onshore winds of 15-18 mph, making it choppy and lumpy. That’s a no-go for a good surf.

Saturday September 5, though—this one’s the second standout. Morning starts with rain showers, but by afternoon it turns glassy with the wind dropping to calm. Swell is 4 ft from the E, period 8 seconds. Combined energy is moderate at 268. The waves will be clean and fun under a glassy surface. This is a great window for a solid session.

Sunday September 6, the morning is glassy again with 0 wind and a 4 ft E swell, period 8 seconds. It’s clean and surfable, but the afternoon turns onshore with a risk of thunderstorms. Catch that morning session.

The final decent window is Wednesday September 9, morning. Clean cross-off winds from the NNE at 6 mph, a 4 ft SSE swell with an 11-second period, and moderate energy at 340. It’s clean, but by afternoon it degrades again with onshore winds.

Overall, your best bets are Wednesday August 26 morning for that glassy, clean starter, and Saturday September 5 afternoon through to Sunday September 6 morning for glassy, fun surf. The rest of the two weeks is mostly poor or ordinary, with a lot of onshore wind and chop.

Stay patient, and don’t force it on the bad days.

Rusty

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