Pipeline Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a proper look at what’s on the table for the North Shore.

Honestly, for the next week and a half, we’re looking at a flat spell that just won’t quit. The first real sign of life doesn’t show up until around Thursday the 20th of August, and even then, it’s barely a pulse. Up until then, we’ve got a solid 8-day stretch where the swell is too small and the energy is weak. It’s a waiting game.

The standout window looks to be around Monday the 24th of August. We’ve got a modest SSW pulse bumping up to 4 ft with a period of 15 seconds, which is a proper long-period groundswell. The energy reading hits 543 (moderate energy), and while the wind is a cross-off from the E at 15 mph, it’s clean. This is a wave that will have some shape and push, but with that long period and a straight beachbreak setup, it might wall up a bit. Still, it’s the best we’ll see.

Before that, Thursday the 20th and Friday the 21st of August offer the first glimmers. Expect small 2 ft SSW swell with a long 16-18 second period. The combined energy sits between 200 and 278 (moderate energy). The wind holds clean from the east, but these are marginal. A longboard or a fish would be the call.

There’s a secondary bump on Tuesday the 25th of August with similar 4 ft SSW swell, but the wind picks up to 18 mph, and the quality drops. It’s not worth getting excited about.

Water temps are sitting at 80°F, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so the trunks will be fine.

The only real stand-out on offer is Pipeline (Oahu) on Monday the 24th of August. The swell direction is SSW, not the optimum WNW, but the size and period will draw in some lines. Expect crowds though—this place is often packed, and with the first decent swell in a while, it’ll be busy.

So, hang tight through the first week. There’s a glimmer of hope for the 24th, but don’t bet the farm on it. Forecasts can change.

Rusty.

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