Ohara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here, let’s talk about what’s happening at Ohara over the next couple of weeks.

First off, the water’s sitting at 80°F, which is about average for this time of year, nothing out of the ordinary there.

Right now, we’re in a bit of a flat spell. The first few days aren't really worth paddling out for – there’s some tiny 1 ft SE groundswell on Saturday the 25th, but with a cross-onshore wind and that risk of thunderstorms, it’s just messy. Not much to get excited about.

Sunday the 26th shows a glimmer of hope. The morning is still messy with a short-period 4 ft NE windswell and cross-onshore breeze, but by the afternoon the wind shifts offshore from the SSE, light at 6 mph, and the surf cleans right up. Swell drops to 3 ft from the ENE, short period at 7 seconds, but with clean conditions it’s a small, surfable wave. It’s a window for a grovel session if you’re keen.

The rest of that week into the start of August is pretty average. Most days have cross-onshore wind, chop, and weak energy levels. The combined energy rarely breaks 200 (moderate at best). Thursday afternoon the 30th has a gentle offshore, but only 2 ft – ordinary.

Now, here’s where things get interesting but a bit of a letdown. From the 3rd of August, a serious swell train starts showing up. On Monday morning the 3rd, we’ve got 5 ft from the SE with a 15-second period, and the combined energy jumps to 1070 (strong). By Tuesday the 4th, it’s 7 ft from the ESE, 16-second period, energy at 2677 (very strong). The problem? The wind is a solid cross-onshore at 16 mph, making it choppy. The data says poor surf conditions – all that power and no clean face.

The peak of this swell hits on the 5th and 6th of August. We’re looking at 10 ft to 12 ft from the ESE/E with a very long 15-17 second period. Combined energy is through the roof – over 5000 (very strong). The wind actually turns favorable on the 5th afternoon, light cross-offshore, clean. But here’s the catch – at over 8 ft, this is expert-only territory. It’s simply too big for most at this break. The data even says the swell is too big for Ohara. So while it’s an impressive show of power, it’s not a recommended paddle session for the average surfer.

Finally, we get a proper window. From the 7th of August onward, the swell backs down and the wind goes offshore. Friday the 7th afternoon has a 4 ft ENE groundswell (11-second period) with a moderate offshore from the SSW at 16 mph. The rating says “expect very good surf conditions” – this is your standout. Clean, offshore, rideable size.

Saturday the 8th is even better. Morning has 4 ft from the SSW with a very long 16-second period, light offshore wind. Afternoon picks up to 5 ft, same long-period SSW groundswell, moderate offshore – rated excellent for experienced surfers. Bear in mind, that long-period SSW groundswell will be breaking clean at Ohara, which is an exposed spot, but with that direction and period, it should hold shape nicely.

Then Sunday the 9th is the crown jewel. Morning glassy conditions, 6 ft of long-period SSW groundswell (16 seconds), combined energy at 2301 (strong). Perfect conditions for experienced surfers. This is the one to target.

Keep in mind, Ohara is an inconsistent break – it doesn’t fire all the time – so when it lines up like this, it’s a real treat. Crowds are sometimes a factor here, so with this quality, expect company.

Overall: the first week is for small boards and low expectations. The second week pumps, but is too big mid-week for most. The clear winners are the 7th afternoon through the 9th, with Sunday the 9th morning being the absolute best on offer.

Rusty

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