Crouching Lion Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
NE, but anything from the N to E can be good.
Wind
Calm or offshore from SE to SW for the wrapping right, S to W for the wrapping left. Passing winter fronts bring offshore winds. Early mornings can be clean during lighter trade wind days.
Surf Height
Head high-3X overhead-plus
Tide
Low to medium
Crouching Lion Surf Guide
Located on the south side of Kahana Bay and out in front of the rock formation, Crouching Lion, on the mountain ridge above the bay - this spot offers a racey, hollow right that peels off toward Kahana Bay. tube riding skills are essential when it's on. There are some lefts on the other side of the reef outcrop, but they are usually pretty short. There is usually surf due to the consistent, year-round tradeswell. However, conditions are often tattered from the persistent onshore tradewinds (strongest through the summer months). It's best on winter N to NE groundswells, with the occasional offshore southerly wind with a passing front. Tradeswell is usually not so solid, and when it is, onshore trade winds are usually strong as well.
Ability Level
All Abilities
All levels, but depends on size.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Usually mellow. Be cool and keep it that way.
Crowd Factor
Mellow
Usually minimal, but can get a crowd when winds occasionally turn offshore on this side, especially if its a weekend.
Spot Rating
Fun
One of the best spots on the Windward Side with long rides and barrels, that is when a solid NE swell coincides with offshore winds from a passing front -- so not all that common to catch it good.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Long paddle to get out there, but it's in a channel. Then long rides mean long paddles back.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine.
Hazards
Reef, urchins, sharks, currents.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Bodyboard, Kiteboard
Access
Easy, but be aware there's a long paddle to get out there.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Winter tends to be best overall, but there is surf year-round due to easterly tradeswell exposure. Open exposure to the northerly swells in winter, and winter will also bring offshore wind events.
Do you have local knowledge about Crouching Lion?
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