Surf Cold, But Light Winds Making Great Conditions

By Carlos Rock

Ho’okipa Sunday 3/17. Photo: Carlos Rock.

The light winds have been hanging around for a while, making exceptional surf sessions with glassy conditions. The 6 to 12 foot north swell combination is great too.

The mornings have been just epic.

Sheet glass at all the spots on the north shore and for those that are willing to get up in the mornings despite the cold air (Monday morning was 55 degrees in Wailuku), have been greeted with some of the best conditions of the entire winter.

You will hear it all over the island – all Maui needs is light winds for all of the surf spots to turn into waves that rival their Oahu counterparts.

That might be hopeful dreaming, but the mellow crowds will always make surfing on Maui that much more special. There is one downside though, the water has been COLD.

Strong ocean currents from the swells and the combination of the cold air at night and in the morning is what has made the water so cold, but the glassy surface and rolling waves will make you forget all about it.

3 hours later. Ho’okipa. Photo: Carlos Rock.

The light winds will gradually make the shift to Konas throughout the week which translates to more great conditions with the north shore predicted to have waves for the rest of the week. If the whole week resembles anything of what yesterday was at Ho’okipa, then surfers will welcome the summer flatness with open arms because they have already had their fill of great waves.

This current 5 to 10 foot NW swell is predicted to linger around for the rest of the week until a new reinforcement 8 to 15+ foot NW swell is set to hit Thursday. Gotta love winter in Hawaii.