Waimea Bay/Pinballs Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up for the North Shore.

First up, we’re looking at a pretty flat start. The first week is basically a write-off for any proper surf. Waimea Bay/Pinballs is showing tiny, weak waves – we’re talking 0.7 ft to 1.0 ft on the 20th and 23rd, with poor surf conditions. That’s not even worth paddling out for. The wind is a cross-off breeze from the ENE, which isn’t helping create any shape. The combined energy is laughably low, sitting at 11 (on the 20th morning) and 18 (on the 23rd afternoon). Water temperature is a warm 79°F, which is pretty much average for this time of year.

We’ve got a long gap of nothing until the 27th of July when things finally start to wake up. Monday the 27th brings a bump in swell to 6 ft from the NE, but with a short period of 8 seconds. The energy picks up to 326, but it’s still a bit messy and just marginal. The wind is still cross-off, so it’s clean but not great.

Now, the real standout is on Thursday, 30th July. That’s the one to circle on the calendar. We’ve got a solid 6 ft NE swell rolling in, with a period of 10 seconds. The combined energy jumps to a strong 745. The morning is looking best with a light breeze from the E making it clean, and the afternoon goes offshore from the ESE at just 6 mph – that’s glassy conditions. This is a proper reef break, and with that long period, it’s going to produce some powerful, well-shaped waves. It’s advanced and consistent, and the optimum swell direction is NW, so this NE swell is a good fit. Crowds are a factor here though – they are “sometimes” a problem, so expect company.

The swell on the 30th is over 5 ft, so it’s not for beginners. The 31st drops off quickly again, back to small stuff.

So, to sum it up: the first week is a total dud. The 27th gives a little tease, but the real session is Thursday the 30th of July at Waimea Bay/Pinballs (Oahu). Get out there early for the cleanest conditions.

Rusty.

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