Kua Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cookin' for Kua Bay over the next couple weeks.

Honestly, this is a tough one. We are looking at a long, long stretch of tiny, crummy surf. The models are showing a whole lot of nothing for days on end. That first recommendation to paddle out doesn’t roll around until the 16th of August. Before that, we’re looking at an 11-day gap with almost no energy in the water and persistent poor conditions. It’s a dry spell, for sure.

The first real glimmer of hope shows up on Sunday afternoon, the 16th of August. The wave energy is starting to build, with a combined swell energy of (100) - that's moderate juice. We’ve got a 2ft swell rolling in from the W, with a period of 14 seconds. That’s a long-period groundswell, which will bring in some clean, well-shaped lines but you’ll have to wait for the sets. It won’t be perfect, but the wind is forecast to go glassy out of the SW. That’s the key here. Glassy conditions at Kua Bay are a treat, and it’ll turn that small wave into something clean and fun.

Then on Monday afternoon, the 17th of August, it gets a bit more interesting. The swell is still 2ft from the W, but the combined energy jumps to (112) - a solid moderate push. The period is a juicy 13 seconds. Again, the wind is the story: glassy conditions from the NNE. This is likely the best session of the whole window. Smooth, clean, and surprisingly fun for a spot that’s been flat.

The water temp is sitting at 81°, which is about 2° warmer than normal for this time of year. That’s a nice treat – feels like bathwater, but in a good way.

A couple things to note: Kua Bay is best on a WNW swell direction, and these swells are coming from the W and WNW, which is a good match. The spot is an exposed beach break, so with that long-period swell (over 11 seconds), the waves will be peeling nicely but could be a bit straight at times. It’s a spot that’s *fairly consistent* but the crowds are *sometimes* an issue, so expect a few others out there on the glassy days.

The longer-range window does show a few more small pulses, but nothing that will shake the world. The 15th of August morning has a touch more energy (109), but the wind is cross-onshore, messing it up. The real winner is that 17th afternoon.

Alright, that’s the skinny. It’s been a slow patch, but there’s a couple of windows to wet a line. Stay patient.

Rusty.

Read more