Anawhata Road (Oaonui) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what we’ve got. For the Taranaki region, the main spot in the frame is Anawhata Road (Oaonui). This is a reef break that’s fairly consistent and takes a good SW swell. Water temp is sitting at 57°F, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

We’re starting off with a bit of a lull. The first decent wave window kicks off on Tuesday morning, August 11th. It’s a bit of a slow start to the week, but early Tuesday, we’ve got a clean 4ft swell from the WSW with a 13-second period – that’s some proper groundswell energy. The wind is light cross-off from the ESE at 9 mph, so the face is going to be clean. Combined energy is moderate (510), and it’s looking like very good surf. This is a solid choice for the intermediate surfer, but the crowd factor is “sometimes,” so you might have company. It’s a reef, so that long period (13s) will set up nicely with some shape.

Wednesday morning the 12th drops a bit to 3ft, but it’s still a clean long-period 16-second swell from the WSW with a light cross-off breeze. Energy is moderate (320). Not a standout, but if you’re after a cruisy session with less push, it’s okay.

Now, the real pick of the first week is Thursday afternoon, August 13th. The swell bumps up to 5ft from the WNW, 12-second period, with a clean offshore wind (NNE at 12 mph). Combined energy jumps to 1041 – that’s strong wave energy. The forecast says excellent surf for experienced surfers. This is where it’s at. The offshore wind will keep the reef lines clean and hollow. If you’ve got the skill, this is your window.

Friday morning the 14th holds some size at 4ft from the WSW with a 16-second period – very long period. The wind is a mere 3 mph cross-off, almost glassy. Energy is strong (1087). Again, that’s excellent for experienced surfers. Just be aware that with a period over 15 seconds, the reef will handle it better than a beach break; at Oaonui, that long period groundswell will wrap in nicely.

Come Saturday the 15th, things get messy. The swell jumps to 8-8ft, but the wind swings onshore (SSE) and picks up strong, creating lumpy conditions. By Sunday the 16th, it’s a full-blown near gale with huge energy (3646-3647), and the surf is poor. This is too big and blown out for paddling – honestly, that setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing.

The following week (August 17-22) is a mixed bag. Size drops to 4-5ft, but cross-shore winds and lumpy chop make most sessions marginal. There are a couple of bright spots: Wednesday morning, August 19th and Thursday morning, August 20th offer clean 5ft swell with light cross-off winds. The period is still decent (14 seconds). Energy is moderate (791-904). These are worth a look if you can duck the mid-week crowds.

Friday the 21st has a smaller 4ft clean swell, and Saturday the 22nd is small at 3ft but clean with light offshores. Not a standout, but better than nothing if you’re keen.

The very end of the period (August 24-26) turns ugly again with strong cross-shore winds and rain, making for poor surf. It’s a forgettable finish.

So, overall: If you’re looking for the best, hit Thursday afternoon the 13th for the biggest, cleanest swell (5ft, WNW, offshore wind, strong energy). Friday morning the 14th (4ft, very long period, glassy) is your backup. Everything else is either small, choppy, or blown out.

Rusty.

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