Rivermouth_Wailuku Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Rivermouth_Wailuku. I’ve got to be straight with you – this 16-day window is a tough one. The surf is there, but conditions are just not cooperating. It’s that classic story of a decent swell running into crappy wind, and it’s going to be a long wait for anything clean.

The whole period starts quiet and stays frustrating. From Friday, August 7th, right through until the end of the third week of August, we’re staring at a relentless cross-onshore wind from the ENE or NE. The wave energy builds from a weak 89 (combined energy) up to a very strong 708 (combined energy) by Sunday the 16th, with swell heights climbing from 3 ft to a solid 7 ft. But that wind is ruining it. It’s choppy, messy, and not what you want to paddle out into. The swell period is short, sitting at 7 to 8 seconds, so it’s a weak, bumpy windswell – not the kind of groundswell that lines up nicely.

The only light at the end of the tunnel shows up on Friday, August 21st. The morning session is the first time we see a score of 1, which is marginal but better than the zeros we’ve been getting. The ENE swell is still 4 ft, with a crappy 7-second period, but the wind finally drops to a light breeze from the NE, and the commentary says “light cross-onshore with small wind ripples.” It’s not perfect, but it’s the cleanest we’ve seen. Then Saturday morning, August 22nd, the swell jumps to 6 ft (ENE, 8 seconds) with that same light breeze. The combined energy is 369 – solid moderate energy. It’s still not glassy, and it’s a reef break, so that short period won’t give it the best shape, but it’s the best we’ve got.

The standout: If you’re desperate for a wave, aim for Saturday morning, August 22nd at Rivermouth_Wailuku. That 6 ft of ENE swell with the light cross-onshore wind is the closest you’ll get to decent. The combined energy is moderate (369), and while the period is short, it’s the best call. The earlier in the week, the more hope you’ll have to rely on the forecast changing.

Because of the persistent cross-shore wind and the short-period, bumpy swell, most of this setup looks more interesting for a kite surfer than a paddle surfer. The swell is plenty strong enough, but your paddle experience will be a battle against the chop.

Stay tuned, forecasts can change, but for now, August 22nd is your best bet.

Rusty.

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