Phantoms
Phantoms is a big wave outer reef that lurks beyond Velzyland and Sunset Beach, only awakening when XL winter swells march in. It funnels swell toward the shoreline breaks and offers deep water peaks for those willing to paddle or tow into the unknown.
Phantoms surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 300° - 340°
- Size range
- 4.6m - 7.6m
- Ideal size
- 5.5m - 6.4m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 18s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Offshore range
- 120° - 200°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
12m+
Board
Gun / Step-up
Consistency
2/10
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Paddle or tow-in from V-Land area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Phantoms?
The Phantoms profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Phantoms?
The Phantoms profile uses wind from SSE (160°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 120° to 200°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Phantoms?
The Phantoms scoring profile favors swell from NW (300° to 340°), a swell-height range of 4.6m to 7.6m, and a reference period of 18s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Phantoms?
The main season at Phantoms is Dec, Jan, Feb. A secondary window runs Nov, Mar. Dec-Feb. Only breaks on XL swells. Funnels swell into V-Land.
How do I get to Phantoms?
The spot profile lists HNL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 55 minutes. A boat transfer is also required. The profile estimates $150 USD; confirm the current price and departure point with an operator. Paddle or tow-in from V-Land area.
What kind of wave is Phantoms?
Phantoms is a big wave break, a peak with lefts and rights over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 10/10.
Best Season
Peak: Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Nov, Mar
Dec-Feb. Only breaks on XL swells. Funnels swell into V-Land.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Velzyland
🏄 Dale Velzy's legacy • Draining ledge • 150-yard peelers
Kammieland
🏪 Kammie's Market legacy • Workable walls • Under the radar
Backyards
🏠 Behind the houses • Fast takeoff required • Shallow detonations
Sunset Beach
🌅 The ultimate proving ground • Shifting peaks • Deep water power
Backdoor Outer Reef
🌊 Pipe's outer shelf • 2nd & 3rd reef • Reforms into Pipeline
Outer Log Cabins
🏔️ 85ft ridden here • North Shore's outer limit • Tow-in territory
Plan a trip around Phantoms
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.