Onjuku Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Howdy, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s cooking at Onjuku over the next couple weeks.

First off, you’re looking at a pretty bleak start. From now through Wednesday the 18th, it’s mostly poor – choppy, cross-onshore breezes and messy surf with waves running 2 to 6 feet from the SSE and E. Tuesday afternoon has a window where the wind drops to 3 mph and goes onshore, but it’s still only marginal. Wednesday morning sees a cross-offshore wind from the NE at 16 mph, keeping things clean, but the swell is only 3 feet and tide or something is off. Not worth it.

Then things get interesting. Thursday the 19th brings a big pulse – offshore winds from the NNE at 19 mph, huge 12-foot swell from the SE with a period of 14 seconds. That’s a proper groundswell, very long period, with a combined energy of 4657 (strong) in the morning and 4991 (strong) in the afternoon. But here’s the catch – this is too big for Onjuku. It’s a beach break, and that size will be heavy. Only for experts, and even then it’s risky. Saturday the 20th stays similar – 10 to 12 feet, offshore winds, clean faces, but massive energy (3168–4962). Sunday the 21st takes it even higher – 12 to 13 feet from S and SSE, periods up to 15 seconds and energy readings into the 8182 range (very strong). That’s some of the strongest energy around, but again, it’s too much for this spot.

The standout is Tuesday the 22nd. Morning has an 8-foot swell from the ENE, offshore NNE wind at 16 mph, making for moderate offshore and clean conditions. Combined energy is 2240 (strong) – still solid but not stupid. Afternoon drops to 7 feet, energy 1094 (moderate). Winds stay offshore in the light to moderate breeze range. Swell period is 10–11 seconds – decent. This is the best on offer: clean, manageable size for experienced surfers, and a good session.

Wednesday the 23rd goes downhill fast – onshore winds from S and SSW at 19–25 mph, rain and thunderstorms, poor. Thursday the 24th has a tiny window – glassy morning with 3 feet of ENE swell and no wind, but it’s ordinary and small. After that, it’s mostly poor surf with tiny 2 to 3-foot waves and messy winds straight through to the end of the month.

Water temp is 79°, which is about average for this time of year.

So bottom line: the best is Tuesday the 22nd at Onjuku. That morning with offshore wind and solid 8-foot swell is your best bet. The Thursday and Friday before are just too big for this break, and the rest is small and messy. If you’re an expert looking for a heavy paddle, the 19th and 20th might get your heart going, but it’s a gamble.

Keep it between the buoys.

Rusty.

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