Oahu Summer South Swells
Saturday, May 30th, 2009
Wake up south shore surfers from your winter slumber! Summer is finally here and so are the summer south swells! Storms in the southern hemisphere generate swells that create breaking waves here in Hawaii on south facing coastlines from about April to end of September. The south shore has many surf breaks all the way from Hawaii Kai to Sand Island.
For beginners, Canoes at Waikiki will be your best bet. Canoes is located in the heart of Waikiki near the Duke Kahanamoku statue. You can rent a longboard at the local beach rental stands right on the beach. Take a lesson or take the short paddle directly out and join the learner crowds.
For intermediate surfers, I recommend Diamond Head Cliffs. After conqueoring Waikiki, many surfers will venture out to Diamond Head. At this break you will find a mix of long boards and short boarders with a mix of all surfing levels. This break is more challenging than some Waikiki breaks, but the crowd and heaviness can be more forgiving than some of the tougher southern breaks.
If you are an expert, Ala Moana Bowls is your south shore paradise. Located in the Ilikai Boat Harbor, Bowls is a heavy left break that is my opinion is where some of the best waves on the south shore can be found. Infamous for its gnarly local crowds that keeps most surfers away, when Bowls gets big this is where the professional surfers will be seen getting barreled.
Whatever surf break you are heading to this summer be sure to know your limits and check the daily surf reports. Also, protect your skin from the blazing summer sun with high SPF sunscreens. Be sure to watch the local news or web-updates on unusual tide changes, high wind gusts, and jelly-fish warnings. Be safe and polite in the water and hope to see you out there!
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