Tracks (Nanakuli) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s get stuck into this outlook. It’s a bit of a slow burn to start, but there are some absolute gems waiting if you’re patient. The first solid surf shows up on Thursday, August 27th.

The window kicks off with a solid pulse of long-period, 17-second groundswell out of the south at Tracks (Nanakuli). Wave heights are around 4ft, and with a stiff ENE trade blowing offshore, it’s going to be clean as a whistle. The water is sitting at a nice 82°, pretty much average for this time of year. The combined energy is moderate at 794, so there’s some proper push behind these sets. Keep in mind, that long period swell can make beach breaks a bit straight, but Tracks is a reef and beach setup, and with that offshore wind, it’s a recipe for some real nice shape. That Thursday afternoon holds similar quality, just a tick smaller at 3ft.

Friday the 28th drops off a touch, with 3ft south swell, still a clean 14-second period and offshore winds. It’s good, but nothing that’ll get the heart racing like Thursday.

Saturday the 29th through Monday the 31st is pretty flat and messy. The wind swings cross-offshore, the swell drops into the 2ft to 2ft range, and honestly, it’s not worth paddling out for. A couple of days to kick back and clean the wax off.

The First Standout

Now, if you’ve got some patience, hold out for Tuesday, September 1st. The morning brings a very long period, 18-second south groundswell at 2ft. That’s proper long-period energy, and with a moderate offshore breeze, the lines are going to be clean and lined up. The combined energy hits 521, which is solid for the size. This is one of those days where the quality outweighs the size—perfect for a mid-length or a log if you want to cruise. The crowds can be around sometimes, so get there early.

Wednesday the 2nd and Thursday the 3rd are back to marginal, cross-offshore winds and smaller swell. There’s a small uptick on Thursday afternoon with offshore winds returning, but it’s nothing to write home about.

The Real Standout

If you can wait all the way to Monday, September 7th, you’re in for a treat. The afternoon session delivers a solid 3ft south groundswell, with a 14-second period, and that combined energy jumps up to a chunky 778. The wind is offshore from the NE, and the report is calling for very good surf conditions. This is the pick of the entire run—solid, clean, and plenty of energy.

And then, hold onto your board shorts for Tuesday, September 8th. The morning is an absolute dream: glassy, zero wind, with a 3ft, 16-second south groundswell. The combined energy is still strong at 584. This is about as perfect as it gets for that spot. The afternoon glass off continues, though the swell drops to 2ft.

From Wednesday the 9th through Friday the 11th, the swell settles down into the 2ft to 3ft range, but the winds turn glassy or light offshore on several mornings. It’s the kind of fun, small-wave window that rewards a longboard and a bit of patience. The energy drops right off into the 200s and 100s by the end.

So, to sum it up: the best bet is that Monday afternoon, September 7th, and the glassy Tuesday morning, September 8th. Thursday the 27th is a solid opener, and Tuesday the 1st is a sleeper for the connoisseurs.

Rusty.

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