Shida Surf Forecast and Surf Report

## Imperial Units

Alright, let’s break this sixteen-day stretch down. We’ve got a rough start, a whole lot of flat to finish, and a big, scary window in the middle. It's a test of nerve, for sure.

We kick things off on Wednesday the 9th with a bit of a pulse. Shida is seeing a clean 2.4m of south swell, but it’s a short 9-second period, and the break is inconsistent. The water’s a warm 81°F, which is about average for this time of year. The combined energy is sitting at 955, which is moderate, but the short period and the inconsistent nature of the spot means it’ll be lumpy. It’s a “maybe” wave, not a “go” wave.

Then, the taps get turned off. From Thursday the 10th through to Tuesday the 15th, we’re looking at poor conditions. Northeast winds are onshore and choppy, and the swell drops right off. There is a small window on Sunday the 13th in the afternoon with a tiny 0.9m southeast swell and light cross-off winds, but it’s nothing flash. Monday the 14th is a bit better. A 1.2m southeast swell, but the wind turns offshore from the SSW. You might find a cleaner one, but the size is small and the period is still weak. The energy for these days is low, staying in the 200-390 range, so it’s slow. The best of this lackluster period looks to be Monday afternoon, with 1.3m and moderate offshore winds. It's just not going to be epic.

Now, the big event. Still a week out, so don’t get too committed to the plan, but Saturday the 19th sees a serious pulse of south-southeast swell. The problem? It’s 3.0m. That’s a solid 10 feet and for a spot like Shida, that’s already getting into “experts only” territory. On top of that, the winds are onshore and choppy, making it a mess. It’s big, but it’s not clean.

Sunday the 20th is where it gets interesting, and this is the standout for the big-wave crew. The swell is still a solid 3.0m from the SSE, but the wind goes glassy, just a whisper of 5 km/h from the north. The energy is pumping at 4124, which is strong to very strong. But, and this is a big but, the predicted swell is too big for this break. It'll be a boiling, foaming mess. Unless you’re a total charger, it’s a day to watch from the cliff. Monday the 21st, it gets even bigger. We’re talking a colossal 7.0m of south swell, which is over 20 feet, and a combined energy of 19842, which is just massive. Again, it’s all due to be too big for Shida. It's just pure, raw power.

After that, the ocean takes a breath. Tuesday the 22nd looks like the one to really pick. The swell is down to a very manageable 1.5m from the SSE, and the wind is light and cross-off from the southeast. This is clean and accessible. This is the best quality-to-safety ratio on offer. The energy is moderate at 619, and the period is 9 seconds, so nothing crazy. This is a proper surf day. The afternoon drops to 1.6m but the period shortens to 6 seconds, so the morning is the time to go.

The final part of the run, Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th, sees a fresh to strong offshore wind develop. The swell is around 2-2.2m, but the short period and the increasingly blustery conditions mean it won't be easy. Thursday afternoon shows a near gale offshore wind, making it nearly impossible to paddle into. That's a wrap.

In short, if you’re not charging, sit tight for Tuesday the 22nd. If you’re a gun, Sunday and Monday the 20th and 21st are going to be a spectacle, but it’s not a place for the faint of heart.

Rusty.

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