Polihale Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here, with the breakdown for our local waters. It’s a slow start, so don’t rush to wax up.

The first week is a dud. We’re looking at flat spells and tiny, weak slop. There’s a big gap in the action until the second week of August. The only spot we’re watching is Polihale, a sandbar break that’s fairly consistent when it gets swell, but we’re in a waiting game.

The water temp is around 80°, which is about average for the season, so no surprises there.

The first real whisper of swell comes on Sunday, the 9th of August. A tiny 2ft swell from the WNW, with a period of 15 seconds. That’s a long-period groundswell, which usually means good shape, but the combined energy is weak at 100. It’s surfable, but the conditions are just ordinary. The wind is a light cross-offshore from the E, which is a plus, but the size is not enough to get the heart pumping.

Things start to get interesting on Wednesday, the 12th of August. The swell builds to 2ft from the W with a 16-second period, and the combined energy jumps to a moderate 296. The wind is a light cross-offshore from the ENE, keeping the surface clean. This is where we start seeing good surf.

Now, the real standout. Thursday, the 13th of August, is the day to clear your schedule. The morning delivers a clean 3ft swell from the W, with a 16-second period. The combined energy is strong at 509, and the wind is light and cross-offshore from the E. This is the best of the whole run. The swell is over 3ft, so it’s getting a bit big for beginners, but for anyone with some experience, it’s going to be a blast. That 16-second period means long, powerful lines, and at a sandbar, it might race a bit, but with that clean wind, it’s a winner.

The quality sticks around for the rest of the week. Friday the 14th has a 3ft swell from the W, but the period drops to 13 seconds, and the energy is moderate at 225. The wind stays light cross-off, so it’s still clean. Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th both see 3ft swells from the WNW with periods of 15 and 14 seconds, and moderate energy around 300-400. The wind remains light and cross-offshore, so the conditions are solid. Keep in mind, Polihale can get crowded sometimes, so plan ahead if you want a quieter session.

By Monday, the 17th, the swell is still there at 3ft from the WNW, but the wind is picking up a bit. The energy is still moderate at 273, but the wind from the ENE is now a moderate breeze, which might put a little texture on the waves.

So, here’s the plan: wait out the first week, then get ready for Thursday, the 13th of August. That’s the benchmark. The swell is solid, the wind is clean, and the waves have some real power. The rest of the second week offers consistent, clean surf, but nothing tops that Thursday morning.

Rusty.

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