Anawhata Road (Oaonui) Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer at Anawhata Road (Oaonui) over the next couple of weeks. This is a reef setup that loves a solid SW groundswell, and we’ve got a real mixed bag coming – some absolute gems, but plenty of rough stuff too. The water’s sitting at 59°F, about average for this time of year, so no need to stress about that.

First real window opens Tuesday morning, July 7. Clean conditions with a light ESE cross-off at 6 mph, and a solid 7ft swell from the WSW with a long 15-second period. Combined wave energy is strong (2123), so there’s plenty of push. This is intermediate-friendly – a bit too much for beginners at that size, but for the rest of us it’s gonna be a fun, punchy morning. By Tuesday afternoon the wind swings SE and picks up, getting onshore and messy, so morning is the time.

Wednesday and Thursday (July 8–9) are write-offs – strong cross-onshore gales, huge messy swell up to 18ft, just awful. Don’t bother.

Friday July 10 still has a cross-shore breeze and lumpy conditions, but the swell drops to 5-6ft with a very long 16-17 second period. Unfortunately the wind keeps it from being clean, so it’s a pass.

Saturday July 11 offers marginal options – small 4-4ft SW swell with cross-shore breeze, only worth a look if you’re desperate.

Now, here’s the standout: Sunday July 12 morning. Glassy conditions – yes, glassy, with a slight NNE breeze at 3 mph. Swell is 5ft from the WSW, 16-second period – that’s a very long groundswell. Combined energy is moderate (1040), but the purity of the wave because of the glassy surface and the long lines making it down the reef is going to be special. This is perfect for experienced surfers and even intermediates will enjoy the clean walls. Sunday afternoon stays glassy with a 5ft swell, score a bit lower but still very good.

Monday July 13 – wind picks up from the north, cross-off but strong, and the swell drops to under 3ft. Not worth it.

Tuesday July 14 – small 5-6ft WNW swell with short 8-second period. Wind is cross-off from NNW, but the period is too short for the reef to really stand up. Marginal.

Wednesday July 15 – a big bump in size: 13ft WSW at 14 seconds, but with light rain and cross-onshore wind. That’s a lot of energy (5950), but choppy and messy. Not for paddle surfing.

Now another highlight for the experts: Thursday July 16 afternoon. Swell 12ft from the west, period 12 seconds, and a moderate NNW cross-off breeze keeping it clean. Combined energy 6770 – very strong. This is big, only for experienced crew, but the offshore wind will groom those waves nicely. It’s a serious prospect for anyone with the skills.

Friday July 17 morning – still big (13ft W, 14s) with a cross SSE breeze, score high but the wind isn’t ideal. Then Friday afternoon the wind goes near gale – stay out.

The rest of the second week sees more windy, lumpy conditions, with a few cleaner moments but smaller swell. Monday July 20 has a 7ft WSW at 16 seconds with a light ESE cross-off – a decent option but not a standout. Tuesday July 21 morning has 5ft WSW at 15 seconds with clean cross-off north wind – again, good but not the best of the window.

Overall, the two real standouts are Sunday July 12 morning for the glassy, long-period perfection, and Thursday July 16 afternoon for the big, clean groundswell for the experts. The rest is mostly messy or too small. Stay patient and pick your sessions.

Rusty.

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