Ohara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’ve got a wild 16 days ahead, but you’re gonna have to be patient because the first week or so is a write-off for anything decent. The swell is just too strong and wonky, with winds all over the place. It’s not until we get into the second week that things start to come together for some proper waves.

First up, we look at Ohara. This spot is a tricky one – it’s an inconsistent break, so it doesn’t fire often, but when it does, it can be good. The water temp is about average for this time of year, nothing weird there. For the first few days, forget it. Tuesday the 4th of August through to Monday the 10th is a total mess. We’re looking at a solid 12ft to 13ft swell from the SE, but the wind is a disaster – strong cross-onshore and lumpy. The combined wave energy is massive, hitting over 7000 (7121) on Wednesday morning, but it’s just a big, ugly, blown-out wall. Not for surfing. Thursday the 6th actually has clean conditions with a gentle offshore wind, but the swell is still 10ft, which is too big for this break. The forecast says it’s too big, and I agree. If you’re a kite surfer, that afternoon might look interesting, but for paddling, it’s a no-go.

The gap in quality surf stretches from the 4th all the way through to the 12th of August. We get a little glimmer on Wednesday the 12th afternoon with a 5ft swell from the E and a fresh offshore wind. The energy is down to 864, which is weak, but it’s clean. The guidance says it’s marginal, so don’t get your hopes up.

Now, here’s the stand-out. Thursday the 13th of August morning is the first real bright spot. The swell drops to 4ft from the E, period of 10 seconds, with a gentle cross-offshore wind. The wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions.” The combined energy is only 511, so it’s not a big swell, but it’s clean, manageable, and the wind is light. For an inconsistent spot like Ohara, this is a decent little window for a fun session.

Then we hit another rough patch. The 14th and 15th of August are poor again, with onshore winds and messy conditions. On the 15th, there’s a 10ft swell from the ESE, but it’s cross-shore and choppy, and again, too big for this break.

But hold on, because the real payoff comes at the very end. Tuesday the 18th of August is the best on offer in the whole 16-day window. The morning session is looking excellent. We’ve got an 8ft swell from the ESE, with a very long period of 16 seconds – that’s groundswell, meaning lots of energy and nice, lined-up waves. The wind is light and cross-off from the SE, keeping it clean. The combined energy is 2985, which is strong but not crazy. The guidance says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers” – and for good reason. Over 8ft, this is only for the advanced crew. The afternoon is just as good, with an 8ft swell from the ESE, period of 14 seconds, and a light breeze. The setup is clean and powerful. Because it’s such a long period swell, it might be a bit too straight for a beach break, but for a point or reef, it’ll be flawless. Crowds are possible here, so get there early.

Wednesday the 19th is a step down, with 8ft swell and cross-shore winds, but still worth a look if you missed Tuesday.

So, to wrap it up: the first week is a total loss. The standout is definitely Tuesday the 18th of August at Ohara – big, clean, powerful groundswell for experienced surfers. The morning of the 13th is a nice little warm-up for the intermediates. Stay patient.

Rusty.

Read more