Shida Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Right, let’s have a look at what’s shaping up for Shida over the next couple of weeks.

The first thing to say is, this isn’t a classic run of surf. There’s a tricky start, a few glimmers of hope, then a massive pulse of swell that’s just too much for the place. You’ve got to pick your windows.

The first proper session worth getting out of bed for is Sunday morning 19 July. We’ve got a clean 4 ft swell out of the ESE, a gentle offshore wind, and the water’s sitting at a pretty normal 77°. The combined energy is moderate (288), so there’s a bit of push. It’s not going to be pumping, but it’ll be clean and surfable. The inconsistency here is a bit of a pain, but it’s the best of the early week.

Tuesday 21 July is another decent shout. Both morning and afternoon have 4 ft from the east with a 10-second period, and the wind is light offshore or cross-off. The energy is moderate again (290 and 278), and the water is clean. It’s not a standout, but it’s reliable.

Now, the real interest—and a bit of a warning—kicks in from Monday 27 July. The swell jumps up, and by Tuesday 28 July we’re looking at 10 ft to 12 ft from the SSE, with a very long period of 14 to 17 seconds. The combined energy is massive (up to 6,592). That kind of size is expert-only at Shida, and the long period groundswell might make it break a bit too straight for a beach break. The wind is clean, but it’s a serious step up. If you’re not a seasoned charger, stay out of the water.

Wednesday 29 July is absolutely huge: 23 ft in the morning, with insane energy (46,702). That’s not a surf day for anyone. The ocean is angry. The wind is offshore, but the size is just mental. Same goes for the afternoon at 18 ft.

Things settle down by Thursday 30 July into the 1st of August, with solid 7 ft to 8 ft SSW swell and moderate offshore winds. The energy is still strong (over 1,000), and the conditions are clean. This is the best run for the confident intermediate to advanced surfer. The Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August mornings are the pick of the bunch: 8 ft and 6 ft, with clean offshore winds and moderate energy. It’s not a world-class day, but it’s a proper session.

The very end of the run, Sunday 2 August, drops right back to 2 ft with a very long period (16 seconds) and glassy conditions. It’ll be tiny and clean, maybe a longboard cruiser.

So, overall: the standout days are Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August for the best combination of size, direction, and clean wind. The early week has some small but clean waves, and the big spike at the end of July is strictly for the experts. Don’t go chasing the 23 ft day.

Rusty.

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