Pakala Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
South to SW. More hollow on SW swells. WNW swells will get in too.
Wind
Calm or offshore easterly wind (NE to E to SE).
Surf Height
Head high-2X overhead
Tide
Low to medium, but breaks on all tides.
Pakala Surf Guide
Pakalas is a long left that barrels as it wraps around the point on the south side of the bay. It is fast, powerful and best on an overhead swell. The lower the tide, the hollower Pakalas gets, but exercise caution because the bottom is coral reef. On weaker swells, Pakalas is far less hollow and a mellower surfing experience overall. Checking Pakalas is a bit tricky, as you can't easily see it from the road. Follow the cars parked along the side of the road.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Best suited for good to advanced surfers when its on.
Local Vibe
Doable
Humility and respect appreciated.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Usually spread out along the point and not too bad, but can get packed when its firing.
Spot Rating
Fun
Consistently a good spot throughout summer and clean.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Usually a fair bit of paddling -- long rides mean long paddles back. Current can get bad when solid.
Water Quality
Clean
Pristine most of the time, but there are nearby rivermouths.
Hazards
Shallow reef, water quality after heavy rain.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Bodyboard, Fish
Access
Checking Pakalas is a bit tricky, as you can't easily see it from the road. Follow the cars parked along the side of the road.
Bottom
Reef
Best Season
Primarily summer, but occasional winter WNW swells will get in.
Do you have local knowledge about Pakala?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]