I was in Kauai last summer and had a chance to surf some of the south and west facing breaks. I’ll be back in mid Spetember, this time with my own boards, a 10’0 and an 8’6. Could someone recommend some longboarding spots that I should check out around that time of year? Thanks, GH. http://www.huntcustoms.com
You should be able to surf the same areas. That is still summer kind of. If you are lucky Hanalaia Bay(sp) will be 6 to 8 foot and working at the bowl, right out in front of the river mounth. If your not so lucky Hanalaia Bay will be 12 to 20 foot. The surfers on Kauai are nicer that the other Islands, but don’t take advanage of this please.
G, Most of the south shore spots are quite longboardable. In the Poipu area, Waohai, PK’s, Centers, Acid Drop are fun if not too big. If you were out toward the westside, you may have checked out that long peeling left that you have to walk thru the cow pasture to get to. Its quite well known, but with respect to the locals there, I wont mention the spots name. September is a good month for south swells and somehow Kauai usually picks up souths better than here on Oahu. You may even luck out on an early north swell, then you can try your boards out at Hanalei Bay and other north shore spots.
Thanks. I was able to surf that left you speak of last summer. It was breaking 2-3 and there were about 4 surfers out. I also kneeboarded a right which is located about a 1/2 mile walk to the north from there, totally empty sets. Yes, I always mind my Ps & Qs. Those waves belong to the locals and I’m happy enough just to share their sun. -GH
Funny to see a thread on this topic. I leave for Poipu on Saturday. If you can get on the Missle base on the West side, just south of Polihale, Major’s Bay can be a real fun right. Locals are real cool - so long as you are. I was there 2-3 years ago and had an extra board with me (a 5 fin Bonzer). A local guy had lent his board to a friend and was jonesing to go out. I let him borrow the Bonzer and he was real grateful. Introduced me to his buddies and family. We’ve kept in touch via e-mail ever since. Made some friends. Overall positive experience. I also agree that Hanalei bowl can be a blast on a longboard - at 5 feet or less. Little too heavy for a nose ride when it gets bigger. Have fun!
All this talk of going to Kauai is getting me itchy to jump on the next inter island flight. A friend at work told me it now costs $40 bucks to take a board with you. Hope you have a good time TB. The north, northwest swells have been quite consistent this year.
Thanks, Foamdust. You know I’ve been watching those swells for the past few weeks. But it looks like things are calming down at least for the first part of my stay. No matter - going to Kauai is only partly about the surf (OK, a big part) - the warm vibe is also a big part of the trip. Hey, I’m coming from the east coast, just taking off a 6mm wetsuit is a vacation! Aloha.
O.K. guys, in Sept. the whole island may have waves. But in reality the north side doesn’t really kick in til usually Oct… You might get some surf in the 6’ to 8’ range but not the really big stuff. This last year the south side had surf well into the fall and a strong west swell can push into Paka’alas for some fun waves. I tell my friends that fall is a great time to visit for good weather and good waves. In the fall we also expierence some Kona’s which means the usual on shore wind spots come to life. As for Hanalei,mind your P’s and Q’s since it’s become quite crowded these days and calls for some slolumn(spelling) type surfing. Take off on the wrong person and you might end up with their board up your Okole or being asked to leave the water. Kauai surfing can be a great expierence or your worst nightmare depending on how you conduct yourself in the water and on the land. Aloha, Kokua