Ohara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Ohara. It’s looking like a bit of a slow start, but there’s a solid window of clean waves later on if you’re patient.

The outlook kicks off on Thursday, 27th August with marginal conditions. We’ve got a 3 ft SSE swell with a 10-second period, but the wind is a cross-offshore breeze at 12 mph. The wave energy is moderate (243). It’s not great, but it’s surfable. The water temp is about average for this time of year. Friday, 28th August, is similar with a smaller 2 ft easterly swell, but the wind drops to a light breeze, keeping things clean. The energy is still moderate (around 240). It’s not a standout, but it’s a nice little session if you’re keen.

Saturday, 29th August, and Sunday, 30th August, are pretty poor. The swell drops to 2-2 ft, and the wind turns onshore or cross-shore, making it choppy. Sunday morning has a glassy moment with a 2 ft east swell, but the energy is weak (103). It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. From Tuesday, 1st September, through to the end of the first week, we see a building swell and better conditions. Tuesday morning has a 3 ft south swell with a long 13-second period, but the wind is cross-on. By Tuesday afternoon, the wind swings cross-offshore, the swell bumps to 4 ft, and the energy jumps to 659 (moderate). The waves are clean and the period is long, so expect some good shape. This is a solid option.

The real standout is Wednesday, 2nd September, through Thursday, 3rd September. We’ve got offshore winds, 4 ft to 4 ft south swell, and periods of 11-12 seconds. The energy is strong (500-600 range). These are clean, well-shaped waves. The wind is offshore, so the faces will be smooth. It’s not too big, so it’s good for intermediates, and the crowd is only sometimes an issue. This is the best on offer in the first week.

Friday, 4th September, brings a bit more size at 6 ft, but the period drops to 9-10 seconds, and the wind is a brisk 19 mph offshore. It’s still clean, but the shorter period means the waves might be a bit lumpy. It’s a bit more for experienced surfers.

Then we hit a rough patch. Saturday, 5th September, and Sunday, 6th September, are mostly poor with onshore winds and choppy conditions. Saturday has a 4 ft to 4 ft swell, but the wind is cross-on, making it messy. Sunday morning turns offshore again with a 5 ft swell, but the period is short at 8 seconds, so it’s weak. Not great.

The second week starts with a nice surprise. Monday, 7th September, and Tuesday, 8th September, have clean, offshore winds and a 5 ft to 5 ft south swell with a long 12-second period. The energy is strong (700-750). This is another standout window. The waves will have good power and shape.

From Wednesday, 9th September, conditions get wild. The wind howls at 28 mph, making it messy and dangerous. The swell is still there, but it’s not for paddling. This looks more like a kite-surfing setup than a surf session. Thursday, 10th September, has a big 6 ft south swell with a very long 14-second period, but the onshore wind ruins it. It’s choppy and blown out. Friday, 11th September, sees the swell drop to 4 ft, but the wind is still onshore. The energy is high (990), but the conditions are poor.

So, for the whole 16-day window, the best bets are Wednesday, 2nd September, to Thursday, 3rd September, and again Monday, 7th September, to Tuesday, 8th September. The first week is a bit of a slow burn, but the second week’s Monday and Tuesday are the real standouts. There’s a gap of poor surf from Saturday, 5th September, to Sunday, 6th September, and then again from Wednesday, 9th September, onwards. Be patient, and you’ll get your waves.

Rusty.

Read more