Rocky Point
Surf Guide
Rocky Point is a flat, curving reef that is about 250-yards wide and perhaps the most consistent wave on the North Shore, breaking up to double overhead-plus on nearly any winter swell direction. Rockies somehow satisfies even its most frightening crowds with a range of waves -- from soft walls to clean barrels to crazy air sections.Rocky's is generally divided into two sections known as Rocky Rights and Rocky Lefts, but within those are several different takeoff points in different conditions. So, beginning from the west side, close to Pupukea, there's: 1. A series of peaks, mainly rights, in N-NW swells, which sometimes end in a closeout, but often hold up for nice walls and tubes; 2. A clearly defined right wall/left peak combination in W-NW swells, with the left sometimes peeling almost across the length of the reef; 3. A good-quality, walling left peak forming in W swells, outside the middle of the reef, which barrels or peels down toward the northern channel (this is the prime Rocky's wave); 4. A sharp, wedging left (and sometimes right) pitching off the northern fringe of the reef; 5. A sucky shorebreak/reform left farther inside, which is super fun for airs and small barrels.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced depending on size. Daunting for beginners as its shallow and fast at all sizes.
Local Vibe
Intimidating
Humility and respect a must.
Crowd Factor
Heavy
Usually heavy whenever its good, while smaller days can be hit or miss.
Spot Rating
Fun
One of the most ripable waves on the North Shore offering a bit of everything for high performance surfing.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Breaks close in and peaks to pick off across the entire zone. Most of the paddling is trying to jockey for position.
Water Quality
Clean
Clean. Beautiful, clear, blue water.
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
WNW to N
Wind
Calm or light E to S is best overall, but the typical ENE trades are OK too if not too strong.
Surf Height
Chest high-3 feet overhead
Tide
Can handle all tides, but generally best between the peak low and peak high.