Rare Glassy Days Ahead for Maui Surf

By Carlos Rock

Glassy conditions. Photo: Carlos Rock.

A decent straight north swell and light winds are combining for epic conditions, the kind that winter in Hawaii is known for.

November has been very gracious to surfers in Hawaii.

To get glassy conditions in Maui is very rare; to get a whole week of southerly winds instead of the usual trades is something surfers dream about.

Add a decent swell with more on the way for the weekend and the beginning of next week, and epic sessions will likely ensue.

To be fair, light winds and “konas*” usually do happen in the wintertime, and sometimes the light winds prevail in the mornings, but to have these glassy conditions last all day long will keep you paddling back out for more.

The konas also kill the cool breeze from the trades, making the weather hot and sticky – the water will look inviting to cool down for many.

The most prevalent swell now is a straight north. This direction really works for many spots and also allows for some swell to wrap around to some other exposed spots.

The best spot to surf the north swell has been “The Point” at Ho’okipa Beach Park. A kite surfing contest was scheduled for 11/29, but the light winds kept the contest on hold, and with the conditions likely to remain the same, it looks like surfers will keep praying for the winds to stay light.

The north swell is the perfect direction for The Point because of the direction that the spot faces. This swell hits the reef out at this spot at just the right angle to make for long rides and marathon sessions that leave you sun burnt and smiling.

Lining up with just the right direction. The point at Ho’okipa 11/29/12. Photo: Carlos Rock.

The north makes the wave really line up the rights for long open faces to practice all your moves. But keep in mind great conditions also attract throngs of wave hungry surfers that all want a piece of the action.

There are plenty of waves to go around so it is also a great time to practice some patience. And with the glassy conditions lasting the whole day, there is enough time to get that one wave that makes the session all worth it.

There is a fairly large straight north swell coming in tomorrow (Friday 11/30) with surf heights expected to reach 8-15+ ft by midday. So pick your spot and expect to score some great rides.

Get out there, cool off, and score some great waves before the trades come back.

Waves for days. Photo: Carlos Rock.

It is these days that make the saying ring true, “Lucky You Live Hawaii.”

*Winds that blow from the south and southwest. They bring in the volcanic fog from Kilauea volcano in Kona on the Big Island that sit on the islands making it look foggy.