Shida Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here with a look at what’s on offer at Shida over the next couple of weeks.

First up, the water temp is sitting at 24°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – not a huge shock, but you’ll feel the difference if you’re used to the usual warmth.

The first few days are pretty average. Sunday the 12th has some decent size – 7ft of SSW swell with a 16-second period, giving a strong energy reading of 2006, but the wind is a cross-off from the SW at 12 mph, and the forecast says “marginal.” It’s not a total write-off, but it’s not a standout either. Monday the 13th looks cleaner, with lighter winds and a 4ft S swell on the afternoon with offshore conditions, but the size is small and energy is moderate (389). Tuesday the 14th is glassy in the morning but only 2ft – more of a longboard day than anything worth getting excited about.

From Wednesday 15th through to Friday 17th, we’ve got a real flat spell. Swell drops to around 2ft to 3ft, mostly short-period, and the energy readings are weak (down to 99). The wind is offshore, so the surface is clean, but there’s just no power. This is a gap of several days where I wouldn’t be rushing to get wet.

Now, Saturday the 18th brings a big change. A 10ft SE swell with a 12-second period hits the morning, and the energy jumps to 2341 – that’s strong. But here’s the thing: the forecast says it’s too big for this break. The wind is cross-shore from the ENE at 9 mph, and with that size, it’s going to be a mess. This one’s for experts only, and even then, it’s a gamble. The afternoon drops to 8ft, still huge, but the rating is low. I’d skip this one unless you’re chasing a beatdown.

Sunday 19th sees the swell back to 6ft in the morning, but the wind is still cross-shore, and by the afternoon it’s down to 5ft with poor conditions. Not worth it.

The first real standout comes on Tuesday the 21st in the afternoon. The swell is 4ft from the SE with a 14-second period, giving a strong energy of 1311. The wind is cross-off from the SE at 9 mph, and the conditions are rated as excellent for experienced surfers. The break is inconsistent, but when it comes, it’ll be clean and lined up. This is the best on offer in the first week.

Then Wednesday the 22nd morning is another one to circle. A 7ft ESE swell with a 12-second period, offshore wind from the SSE at 6 mph (light breeze), and excellent conditions for experienced surfers. Energy is 1361. This is solid, clean, and powerful. The afternoon drops to 7ft with gentle offshore wind – still very good.

Saturday the 25th is a big late shout. Morning has 7ft from the SSE with a 13-second period, offshore wind from the SSW at 12 mph, and excellent conditions for experienced surfers. Energy is 1283. The afternoon is even bigger at 7ft, same direction, with a 12-second period, and offshore wind at 16 mph. Energy hits 1344. This is a long-range standout – promising, but less certain this far out. If it holds, it’ll be worth the wait.

The last few days of the window settle back down to smaller, cleaner waves, with Sunday the 26th offering 6ft from the SSE with a 11-second period and cross-off wind, but the energy is moderate (798). Monday the 27th is back to 3ft, clean but small.

Wrap-up: The best days are definitely Tuesday 21st afternoon and Wednesday 22nd morning, with Saturday 25th as a potential late gem. The rest of the window is either too small, too big, or just average. Keep an eye on the forecasts, but for now, those are your targets.

Rusty.

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