The South Shore Surf Guide Series: Courts
Courts Is a Less-Crowded Alternative to Ala Moana Bowls
Courts is a user-friendly peak with a left and a right peeling straight out from the tennis courts at Ala Moana Beach Park — generally less crowded and less competitive than Bowls, which is on the other side of Magic Island.
Courts is accessed via a long walk across the inner lagoon at Ala Moana Beach Park, then a delicate walk or paddle through a small keyhole-like cut in the reef. Although Courts is not as good of a wave as Bowls, it's still fun when a mid- to long-period south or southwest swell pushes through — a common occurrence during the summer.
Photo Courtesy from Surf Forecast
Courts Rewards Performance Longboards More Than Traditional Logs
Courts is fun on just about any type of board, but it's more of a performance longboard spot than a traditional noseriding spot. You'll see everything from high-performance shortboards and fish to mid-lengths and longboards in the Courts lineup — most longboarders are out on high-pro boards with 2+1 or quad fin setups, such as the HI4.
Courts Is Offshore in Trade Winds — Best in the Morning
Like all the breaks at Ala Moana, Courts is offshore with northeast wind, and can handle anything from north to east. The trades tend to be lightest early in the morning and pick up throughout the day — but typical trade winds are offshore at Courts, so they aren't a huge issue.
Courts Holds Its Shape at Any Tide — Until It Gets Overhead
The reef at Courts is relatively flat but also somewhat shallow, so Courts holds its shape at both low and high tide. That said, Courts starts to max out once it gets to the well overhead or double overhead range.
Ride the Harley Ingleby HI4 at Courts
High-performance longboards will work better at Courts than traditional logs, and shortboards with a bit of extra volume will provide that extra drive when the wave can't provide enough speed.
More in the HSS South Shore Surf Guide Series:
Frequently Asked Questions About Courts
Where exactly is the Courts surf spot?
Courts is a reef break at Ala Moana Beach Park, breaking straight out from the tennis courts. Courts is accessed via a long walk or paddle across the inner lagoon, followed by a careful passage through a small keyhole-like cut in the reef. Courts sits on the other side of Magic Island from Ala Moana Bowls.
How crowded is Courts compared to Bowls?
Courts is generally less crowded and less competitive than Bowls, though Courts is also not as high-quality a wave. If you're looking for a more relaxed South Shore session during summer south swell season, Courts is a solid option.
What swell and wind conditions are best for Courts?
Courts works best on a mid- to long-period south or southwest swell — conditions that are common on Oahu's South Shore during summer. Courts is offshore in the northeast trades and can handle anything from north to east. Trades tend to be lightest in the morning.
What boards work well at Courts?
Courts accommodates a wide range — high-performance shortboards, fish, mid-lengths, and longboards all show up in the Courts lineup. That said, Courts is more of a performance longboard spot than a traditional noseriding spot, so most longboarders opt for high-pro boards with 2+1 or quad fin setups, like the Harley Ingleby HI4.
Does tide affect Courts?
The reef at Courts is relatively flat and somewhat shallow, which means Courts holds its shape at both low and high tide. The main limitation is size — Courts starts to max out once conditions reach the well overhead to double overhead range.
Is Courts a good spot for intermediate surfers?
Courts is user-friendly enough for intermediate surfers, especially those comfortable on performance longboards or higher-volume shortboards. The access — a long walk or paddle across the lagoon and through a reef keyhole — is the main logistical hurdle, but once you're out, Courts itself is forgiving and fun.