Shida Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s break it down.

For Shida, the first week and a half is pretty quiet. The swell is small and the winds are messy. The water’s about 78°, which is pretty standard for the season.

From Wednesday afternoon, July 22nd, right through the end of July, it’s mostly poor conditions. Waves are tiny, 1 to 3 feet, with cross-on or cross-off breezes making it choppy. The energy is weak – under 200 for most of it. Not worth the paddle. There’s a few afternoons where it cleans up, like Friday the 24th and Sunday the 26th, but the waves are so small it’s barely surfable.

From Monday, July 29th, to the end of the month, it’s the same: small, weak, messy. Energy stays under 112. Skip it.

Saturday, August 1st, the swell starts building: 5 to 6 feet from the ESE, with a 16-17 second period – that’s a proper groundswell. Energy jumps to 1425 then 1556, so there’s some punch. But the wind is cross-on from the NE and NNE, so it’s choppy. Marginal.

Sunday, August 2nd, the swell gets bigger: 7 to 8 feet, ESE, 16-17 seconds. Energy now at 2578 and 2882 – strong. Wind is onshore in the morning (NNE 15 mph), then cross-on in the afternoon. Still not clean. This is getting big enough that beginners should stay out, and the wind won’t help.

Monday, August 3rd, we’re looking at 10 foot swell, ESE, 18 seconds. Energy is massive: 4767 and 4885. Wind is offshore from the SSW at 12 mph, so it’s clean. But the comment says it’s predicted to be too big for this break. At 10 feet, that’s expert-only. The long period means long lulls, but when sets come, they’ll be heavy.

The standout is Tuesday, August 4th. Swell drops to a more manageable 8 feet in the morning, then 7 feet in the afternoon, still from the ESE with 15-16 second period. Energy is still strong (2756 then 1719). And the wind is offshore from the SSW, 9-12 mph, making for clean faces. The forecast says “excellent for experienced surfers.” This is the best window. Crowds are “often” at Shida, so expect a lineup.

Wednesday, August 5th, drops to 4-foot range, 12-second period, energy around 400-500. Offshore wind in the morning, cross-off in the afternoon. Good conditions for a wider range of surfers.

Thursday, August 6th, is small again: 3 to 3 feet, glassy morning (WSW 3 mph). Energy 169. Very ordinary.

So, to sum it up: if you’re experienced and want the best shot at clean, solid waves, Tuesday, August 4th is the day. Monday the 3rd has the size and offshore wind but might be too big. Tuesday the 4th is the sweet spot.

Rusty.

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