Ohara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Hey folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up at Ohara. Right now, things are pretty quiet, but there’s a slow build into some serious size later on if you know where to look and are prepared to wait for it.

We’ve got a bit of a gap to start. The first real surf we can count on rolls in on Monday the 17th. It’s not huge — just a 3.3 ft east swell with a 9-second period — but the combined energy is a modest 208, and we’ve got that light ESE cross-off breeze keeping it clean. For a quick paddle out that morning, it’s a solid little starter. That clean vibe holds through the afternoon, even if the swell stays small. The water’s about what you’d expect for this time of year, nothing unusual there.

Now, Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th? Pretty ordinary. The swell drops off, the wind gets a little messy, and scores are low. There’s not enough to get excited about, honestly. Best to leave the board in the car or go find something else to do. Thursday the 20th picks up again just a touch with a 2.6 ft swell from the ESE, but it’s only 7 seconds of period — short and a bit weak. Not worth calling in sick for.

But hold on — Friday the 21st is where it starts to feel like we’re back in business. The afternoon brings a 2.3 ft south swell, but that 11-second period gives it some real push, bumping the combined energy up to 240. We get offshore wind from the south at 12 mph, and the surface is clean. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s good, honest surf all of a sudden.

Saturday the 22nd keeps that window open. Morning and afternoon both show 3.3 ft swells from the ESE and east, periods around 10 seconds, and that solid SSW offshore breeze again at 12-16 mph. Combined energy sits around 248 to 299. It’s clean, it’s fun, and the wind is your friend. This is as good as the first week gets, so if you can get out, do it.

Then we hit a bit of a wind wall on Sunday the 23rd. A fresh 22 mph SW breeze crosses offshore, and while the swell is still 3.3 ft, it’s rough and the energy is washed out. Not your day. That carries through Monday the 24th, but here’s the twist — the swell starts to spike. We’re looking at 4.9 ft from the SSE with a 15-second period, and the combined energy jumps to 1544. That’s a strong pulse of groundswell, but with onshore wind and a risk of thunderstorms, it’s “marginal surf” at best for Ohara. It’s powerful, but not clean.

That energy keeps climbing into Tuesday the 25th and Wednesday the 26th. By Wednesday afternoon, we’re talking 8.2 ft from the SSE at 16 seconds, combined energy of 2992, and finally that offshore wind from the SSW at 12 mph makes an appearance. This is where things get serious. That’s a big, clean, powerful swell — and it’s only for experienced surfers. The wave height is over 8.2 ft, and the tide and wind line up for a solid session, but if you’re a beginner, stay on the sand.

Thursday the 27th is a standout, but with a major caveat. We’re seeing 9.8 ft from the south, period at 17 seconds — that’s very long period groundswell. Combined energy hits 5016. The wind is offshore and light, and the surface will be clean. But the swell is predicted to be too big for Ohara. This is a spot that struggles when it’s that big. The direction is south, which isn’t ideal for the break’s optimum SE exposure. If it starts to work, it’ll be heavy and walled up. Only for the brave and the skilled.

That oversized theme continues into the end of the month and into September. Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th still have big swell — 8.2 ft to 6.6 ft — but the wind gets wild, especially Saturday with a near gale from the south at 37 mph. That’s not surfable; that’s survival conditions. By Sunday the 30th, we’ve got another 8.2 ft SE swell with a 16-second period, but it’s onshore and messy.

The final few days — August 31st and September 1st — are just massive. 11.5 ft to 19.7 ft swells, combined energy over 12,000 on the 1st, and all from the SSE. The wind is light and even offshore at times, which is rare, but this is way beyond what Ohara can handle comfortably. For all but the strongest, most experienced crew, it’s a pass.

So here’s the takeaway: the best, cleanest, most accessible surf comes on Saturday the 22nd — consistent 3.3 ft east-southeast swells with offshore

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