Surf levels: how we rate the surf for you
Pick Your level at the top of the Oahu surf report and every spot is re-rated for how you surf: the rating badges, the forecast colours, Best spots, the map pins and the Conditions sort all change with it. Your choice is remembered on that device.
Safety first
Ocean conditions can change quickly. These ratings come from forecasts and computer models, not someone standing on the beach, and they can be wrong. When in doubt, don’t go out, and always check with the lifeguards before you paddle out. Know your limits, never surf alone at an unfamiliar spot, and respect posted warnings and closures. By using this report you accept that surfing is dangerous and that Surf Chronic is not responsible for any injuries, accidents or deaths.
Learning, or still finding your feet
You’re working on paddling, popping up and riding small waves, mostly whitewater or gentle green waves, usually on a soft-top or longboard.
- Sweet spot: 1–3 ft faces rate Good, or Very good when it’s clean (offshore or light wind), even when Surfline calls it small or poor.
- Tiny: about 1 ft is Fair (small, longboard waves). Under that is Flat.
- Getting big: sets up to 4 ft are Fair, bigger sets are Poor, and when even the smaller waves are over 4 ft it’s Very poor: too big for beginners.
- Spots above your level: an intermediate spot shows as Poor and an advanced spot as Very poor, with the reason (for example “Shallow reef, an advanced spot”).
- Stay out of the water: at any spot, when faces are over 8 ft (Surfline or the National Weather Service, whichever is bigger) or a High Surf Advisory or Warning is up for that shore, the spot is Very poor for beginners and everyone sees a red “Not for beginners today” warning on its card.
Spots rated for this level: Waikiki, Pua'ena Point, White Plains Beach
Catching green waves and riding along the face
You paddle out on your own, catch unbroken waves, turn and read the lineup, and you’re comfortable in most conditions up to about head high.
- Fun size: 2–6 ft faces start from Surfline’s rating, and a clean day that Surfline rates below Fair gets a one-step boost.
- Bigger: sets above 6 ft cost one step for every extra foot, and when even the smaller waves are over 8 ft it’s Very poor: too big for intermediates.
- Advanced spots (heavy reef, big-wave breaks) show as Poor, with the reason.
Spots rated for this level: Ehukai, Haleiwa, Laniakea, Makaha, Tracks, Kewalos, Diamond Head, Chun's Reef, Tennis Courts, Lanikai Beach, Mokuleia, North Beach, Ma'ili
Experienced, comfortable in big, powerful or hollow surf
You surf reef breaks and bigger days with confidence, know how to handle currents and getting caught inside, and respect the local lineup.
- Surfline’s own rating, unchanged. Surfline already rates each spot for a competent surfer, so Advanced shows it as is.
- Every spot is open to you, but heavy days at places like Pipeline and Waimea are still for experts only.
Spots rated for this level: Pipeline, Rocky Point, Sunset Beach, Velzyland, Ala Moana Bowls, Sandy Beach, Makapuu, Waimea Bay
Wind: why a spot drops a step or two
| Wind | Beginner & Intermediate |
|---|---|
| Offshore, or 6 mph and under | Clean: no change |
| Onshore 10–14 mph | Choppy: down 1 step |
| Onshore 15+ mph, or cross-shore 18+ mph | Blown out: down 2 steps |
The line under a spot’s rating tells you why, for example “For beginners: good size to learn, clean”.
The rating scale
The same colours run through the badges, the forecast boxes and the map pins.
Best spots — next 5 days
For your level we look at every morning (6–noon) and afternoon (noon–6) over the next 5 days, at every spot that suits you, and show the three best. When all three land on the same day, the title names that day (for example “tomorrow”). Offshore and light wind break ties, and a sooner session beats a later one. Spots above your level, flat or very poor sessions, and stay-out days never make the list.
Best spots today & tomorrow ★ Ohana Pass
Every spot worth surfing for your level, ranked: its best 3–5 daylight hours, the size and rating, wind, tide and swell, and why it made the list. Spots rated Poor or worse for you, or above your level, go in a Skip list with the reason. It shows today until 5 PM, then tomorrow. The surf report shows the top spot; the full list for every level is on the Best spots page.
When in doubt, don’t go out
Ocean conditions can change quickly. Check with the lifeguards first. Surf Chronic is not responsible for any injuries, accidents or deaths.