Summer Surf Update – Mostly Wind Swell

By Carlos Rock

Ho’okipa: 2-3+ ft.

Lahaina: Flat, 1 ft.

Kihei: Flat, 1 ft.

Wind: 15-25 mph

This summer has produced lots of wind swell that keep most surfers hopeful just to be able to go out and catch a couple of waves.

Summer time Ho’okipa. Photo: Carlos Rock

According to Surfline, the month of August is one for the books due to lack of swell activity, and if you kept an eye on Maui’s surf last month, you’ll most likely agree with their assessment.

Basically, August was terrible for south swells. There were none, zip, nada – well, none big enough to earn a spot in the evening news.

The usual trend for summer on Maui means breaking out the longboard for knee high rollers in Lahaina, or finding another hobby like diving, fishing, kiting, windsurfing, or getting a few more hours in at work to make the extra money to eventually be able to surf when the waves return.

But for now, wind swell is what we’ve got.

Wind swell here on Maui means the trade winds are blowing from the east and producing some waves for the east facing shores. However, these waves are coupled with the onshore/side shore winds that produce average-to-poor surf.

The result is waves that are mushy, very inconsistent, all over the place, and hard to surf.

Thinking of a new hobby? Kite Surfers at Waiehu. Photo: Carlos Rock

Summer makes it hard to surf every day. If you can go out and catch a couple waves, then consider yourself lucky.

Best Spots to Surf Right Now

There are so many spots to choose from, but the right knowledge of swell, wind, and tide, will help to narrow down the spots to surf on a daily basis.

Finding a spot that you can rely on to have surf everyday will make the summer dry spells a little more manageable. For summer wind swell/east swell, look for east facing shores.

Surfing one spot every day has its benefits: You really learn the wave, and how to surf it in all types of conditions. It helps you stay in surfing/paddling shape. It lets you experiment with different equipment and moves out in the surf. You become a familiar face out in the water, but be sure to show respect.

Secret Spot, east side. Photo: Carlos Rock

If you are lucky enough to be able to surf everyday, by all means do it. Stay in shape by surfing the junk waves so when a good swell does come in, maybe a small north on Friday, you’ll be ready.