Waimea Bay/Pinballs Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what we’ve got in this corner of the lineup.

Right off the bat, I gotta be straight with you – this 16-day run is looking flat and frustrating for the most part. We’re talking about a real lean spell, especially for a spot like Waimea Bay/Pinballs (United States), which is usually all about those big winter groundswells. That NW-to-WNW optimum swell direction hardly ever lines up with enough size here in the middle of summer, and this forecast is proving it. The first whole week is essentially a write-off.

From now through to the 12th of August, it’s just tiny waves – we’re talking 0.7ft to 1ft stuff, with combined energies barely cracking 100 (they’re sitting between 4 and 104). The wind is cross-off from the east, which keeps the water looking clean, but there’s no power in the water to do anything with it, so it’s a big zero for surfing.

Now, things get a little more interesting starting around the 13th of August. The combined energy finally pushes into moderate territory, hitting 122 Thursday morning, and then climbing to 198 that afternoon (moderate energy). The swell bumps up to 2ft from the west with a 16-second period, which is a long-period groundswell. That kind of period can really juice up waves, especially at a reef like Waimea, but the problem is the size is still tiny. On the 13th afternoon, the wind goes offshore from the ESE – that’s a huge plus for clean faces. It’s surfable, but very ordinary. Honestly, if it wasn’t so small, this would be a standout day.

The best chance for something half-decent falls on the 14th of August. The morning shows 3ft from the west, period still a nice long 16 seconds, and the combined energy jumps to 330 (moderate wave energy). This is the biggest swell of the whole outlook. It’s still small by Waimea standards, but with that period and a cross-off breeze keeping it clean, there could be a few fun, lined-up reef waves for the experienced crew. The afternoon drops off a touch to 2ft and 289 energy. Don't expect any barrels or anything, but for the second week in a quiet season? It’s the best we’ve got.

After that, the 15th and 16th hold onto 2ft to 2ft wedges from the west and WNW, with the 16th offering a rare offshore wind again Sunday morning – but the energy fades back into the 170-range, and it’s just ordinary. The consistency isn't really there for a solid session.

So, the one true standout in this whole two-week stretch is the morning of August 14th. The swell size (3ft) and direction (west) line up with the optimum, the 16-second period will give the waves some shape on the reef, and the moderate east cross-off keeps the wind off the faces. It's a ribbon of hope in a flat, long gap. This is one for the surfers who know that spot and can work the small, long-period lines. If you can’t make that window, you’re better off waiting for the forecasts to change because, honestly, it’s not staying this poor for long – things always shift in this part of the Pacific.

Rusty.

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