Pohoiki Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it. We’ve got a 16-day window for Pohoiki, and I’ll be straight with you—it’s a tough run. The first few days are a write-off, so don’t bother checking the cams until at least the morning of Wednesday the 22nd.

The overall pattern is frustrating. We’ve got a persistent cross-onshore wind from the NE and ENE, chopping up what little swell there is. The water temp is sitting at 80°F, which is about a degree and a half warmer than usual for this time of year, so it’s a touch balmy but nothing wild.

The first real whisper of hope pops up on Wednesday morning, July 22nd. The swell bumps up to 5ft from the E with a 12-second period, and the combined energy hits 1496 (moderate). That’s a solid little pulse, but the wind is still cross-onshore from the NE at 9 mph, so it’s gonna be a mess. The scoreboard says it’s marginal. I’d give it a pass.

Honestly, the standout window here is a full week away. Sunday morning, July 26th, we see the best combo of the whole forecast. Swell is 5ft from the E, 16-second period, and the combined energy is 1506—still moderate but the best we’ll get. The wind is light cross-onshore from the NE at only 9 mph, so while it’s not glassy, it’s the cleanest of a rough bunch. The surf is still described as marginal, but this is the one to circle. Expect a few long-period lines, but keep in mind this E groundswell can be a bit straight at the reef. Pohoiki is a reef break, so it should handle the long period better than a beach. It’s fairly consistent here, and crowds can show up, so be ready for company.

After that, July 27th Monday morning is worth a look too. 6ft from the E, 14-second period, combined energy 1434, and the wind turns cross-shore from the NE at 9 mph. Slight chop, but the sets will have push. Again, marginal, but it’s the closest we get to fun.

The rest of the second week is a mixed bag of cross-on junk and poor scores. There’s a tease on Wednesday, July 29th, with a 7ft swell from the ENE and a clean offshore wind from the N at 12 mph. That’s the only time we see a “clean” wind state, and the swell is solid. But at 7ft, it’s getting into expert-only territory, and the combined energy is 1787 (moderate). The scoreboard gives it a 3, which is the highest of the whole run. If you’re a confident surfer, that morning might be the one. But it’s a one-session wonder, and the wind is likely to swing back messy by afternoon.

Overall, there’s no true standout. If I had to pick, it’s the morning of Sunday, July 26th, for the best trade-off of size, period, and wind. The morning of Wednesday, July 29th, is for the big-wave crew only. The rest is waiting for a better forecast.

Stay patient, keep an eye on the wind, and don’t burn the gas.

Rusty.

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