Makaha Surf Forecast and Surf Report

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

Honestly, it’s a pretty grim stretch ahead. The data shows a long run of marginal surf with questionable conditions, and there’s not a single standout session that gets me excited. The first real window of interest doesn’t even start until the Sunday morning of the 10th of August. Before that, from Friday the 7th right through Saturday the 9th, the waves are small, the wind is cross or cross-onshore, and the energy is just not there. It’s a 2-day gap of nothing worth paddling out for.

The main spot we’re looking at is Makaha, a very consistent reef break that handles a SW swell. The water here is running at about 71°F right now, which is a whopping 9°F warmer than normal for this time of year. That’s very unusual — you’ll be sweating in your wetsuit top, no doubt.

The best of a mediocre bunch looks like Tuesday the 11th of August. The morning session shows a 4ft SW swell with a period of 15 seconds and a combined energy of 1062 (moderate). The wind is a gentle cross-shore, which will keep the surface tidy. By the afternoon, the swell nudges up to 6ft, still with a 14-second period and energy of 1143. That’s the biggest wave height of the whole period, but it’s still a peaky 6ft, so it’s manageable for intermediate surfers. The wind stays cross-shore, so it won’t be glassy, but it’ll be rideable. Crowds are a factor here though — the break is marked as “often” busy, so expect some company.

A secondary mention goes to Monday the 17th of August. The morning shows a 4ft SW swell, 15-second period, and energy of 1059. The downside is the wind is cross-onshore, which will put a bit of chop on the face. Not ideal, but it’s one of the few mornings with a little more grunt.

Then on Tuesday the 18th of August, the morning has a 4ft SW swell with a 15-second period and energy of 1132, with a light cross-onshore breeze. It’s small, but the long period means the sets will have a bit of push. The afternoon session on the same day is a write-off.

After that, the swell drops off significantly. From the 20th through the 22nd, we’re looking at tiny waves under 3ft, weak energy, and mostly cross-onshore winds. The final few days are a total loss — poor surf conditions with energy readings as low as 187.

So, if you’re itching to get wet, your best bet is the 11th of August at Makaha. It’s not firing, but it’s the best the next 16 days have to offer. Keep an eye on the forecast, because a long-range call like Tuesday the 18th morning is promising but less certain. For now, it’s a waiting game.

Rusty.

Read more