Shida Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, surfers, Rusty here with the outlook for our stretch of coast. We’ve got one spot on the radar for the next 16 days, and it’s a bit of a mixed bag, so let’s get into it.

First off, the water temp is sitting at 26.5°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The only break we’re looking at is Shida. It’s exposed, and it likes swell from the SE. It’s inconsistent, so when it’s on, it’s worth a look, but you’ll have to be patient.

We start off with a bit of a slow patch. From Wednesday the 19th through to Friday the 21st of August, the surf is small and ordinary. We’re talking waves around 1.3 ft to 1.6 ft from the east and southeast, with periods around 9 to 11 seconds. The combined energy is weak, coming in at 92 on Wednesday, and barely cracking 100 on the best of those days. Winds are light and offshore or cross-offshore, so it’s clean, but there’s just no push. It’s surfable, but you’ll be working hard for tiny rides.

Then we get a bit of a lift on Saturday the 22nd. Swell edges up to 3.0 ft from the east, period 11 seconds, and the combined energy jumps to a moderate 255-268. Winds are light to moderate cross-offshore, keeping it clean. It’s still marginal, but the best of a small window.

Sunday the 23rd is a write-off with poor conditions – cross-onshore winds, and a risk of thunderstorms. The energy is moderate at 177, but the quality is poor.

Now, things start to get interesting from Monday the 24th of August. The swell picks up to 4.3 ft from the SSE with a period of 13-14 seconds, and the energy jumps to 831. Monday morning has light cross-shore winds, but by the afternoon, we get gentle offshore winds, making it clean. This is when the surf starts to get good.

The real standout is Tuesday the 25th of August. We’ve got a solid 5.6 ft swell from the SSE, period 13-14 seconds, and a strong combined energy of 1682. Offshore winds are light to gentle all day, so the waves will be clean and well-shaped. This is excellent for experienced surfers. The size is getting up there, so it’s not for beginners, but if you’ve got the skills, this is your day.

Then Wednesday the 26th of August is a big one. The swell hits 8.2 ft from the S with a very long period of 15-16 seconds. That’s groundswell, and it’s packing a punch with a combined energy of 3690. Winds are light offshore in the morning, shifting to light cross-offshore in the afternoon. This is excellent for experts only. That long period will make it suck out and wall up, but at a beach break, it might close out a bit. Still, for the experienced crew, this is a serious session.

Thursday the 27th sees the swell drop a bit to 6.9 ft to 7.5 ft from the SSE, period 12 seconds, but the winds pick up, especially in the afternoon with a fresh breeze from the SE. The energy is 1733, but it’s borderline, with a risk of thunderstorms.

Now, from Friday the 28th of August onwards, the swell gets too big for Shida. We’re looking at 13.1 ft on the 28th, and 9.8 ft on the 29th, with shorter periods. The wind is cross-offshore or cross-onshore, so it’s messy. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than a paddle session. The energy readings are huge – 3518, 3178 – but it’s just too much for the spot.

We get a bit of a lull on the 30th and 31st of August, with swell around 5.6 ft to 8.2 ft, but the winds are cross-onshore, so it’s bumpy. The 31st of August afternoon does show a 8.2 ft swell from the SSE with a 12-second period and light cross-offshore winds, with a combined energy of 2667, which is a solid option for experienced surfers.

Then, into September, the 1st is another oversized day with 9.8 ft to 11.5 ft from the SSE, period 13-15 seconds, and energy readings over 3500. Again, too big for the break, and the winds are cross-shore, so it’s choppy.

From the 2nd of September, conditions deteriorate further. Strong cross-onshore winds, lumpy seas, and poor surf quality. The forecast suggests the swell is still there, but the wind is wrecking it.

So, to wrap it up: the best window is from Tuesday the 25th to Wednesday the 26th of August. Tuesday is the pick for experienced surfers with clean, solid 5.6 ft groundswell. Wednesday is for the experts only with 8.2 ft, very long period waves. After that, it’s either too big or too windy for good surfing at Shida. Keep an eye on the 31st of August afternoon as a possible late option.

Stay safe out

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