Arawhata Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the pipe for Arawhata. This is a reef set-up that picks up plenty of swell, and we’ve got a full 16-day run to talk about.

The first part of the week is a bit of a tease. Monday morning, 13 July, we’ve got a 3.6ft swell from the WSW with a long 14-second period, and the combined energy is sitting at 487 (moderate). The wind is a cross-off from the N at 12 mph, so the waves will be clean enough, but the report says it’s marginal—maybe a tide thing holding it back. That afternoon it gets blown out with rain showers and 22 mph winds. Not worth paddling out.

Tuesday, 14 July, sees a shift: the swell jumps to 6.2ft from the NW, but the period drops to 8 seconds (short period, so less push). The cross-off wind from the N at 9 mph keeps things tidy, but that shorter period means the waves won't have that classic groundswell grunt. Moderate energy in the water (661). Still a bit marginal on the tide.

Now, Wednesday 15 July is where things get serious. We’ve got a 9.8ft swell from the WSW with a 16-second period—that’s proper groundswell, very long period. The energy reading is 4272 (strong). Wednesday morning is clean with a NNW cross-off at 9 mph, but at 9.8ft, this is only for experienced surfers. It’s too big for beginners. Wednesday afternoon sees the wind shift to a cross-shore NW at 12 mph, which will put a bit of chop on the face. That big, long-period swell at a reef like Arawhata should set up some beautiful, powerful lines, but be ready for long lulls between sets.

Thursday 16 July stays big—9.8ft again in the morning, but the wind swings to a cross-on from the W at 12 mph, making things choppy. By the afternoon it’s still 8.2ft but the wind is up to 16 mph cross-on, and the report says poor conditions. Give it a miss.

Friday 17 July morning looks ugly: 11.5ft from the WSW, but a stiff onshore SW wind at 19 mph. That’s a washing machine. Friday afternoon improves: the swell drops to 9.8ft, period still 14 seconds (3660 energy), and the wind turns light from the S at 6 mph—light cross-on with just small ripples. That afternoon is a big step up in quality, but still a solid, expert-only wave at that size.

Saturday 18 July is messy again with cross-on winds and lumpy conditions, so skip it. Sunday 19 July brings hope: a 7.2ft WSW swell with a 16-second period (2826 energy) and a cross-off ESE wind at 16 mph. The waves should be clean and powerful. The size is still on the big side for intermediates, but strong ones will love it. Monday 20 July is smaller at 5.6ft, clean morning with a cross-off ESE breeze. Better for a wider range of surfers, and the water temp is 14.7°C, which is about average for this time of year—nothing wild.

The standout period starts from Wednesday 23 July onward, but don't sleep on Monday 21 July: a 4.3ft WSW swell, 13-second period, light ESE cross-off at 6 mph, and the report says “expect very good surf conditions.” That’s a clean, fun size for most.

Wednesday 22 July is a small lull (2.6ft), but then Thursday 23 July morning is another gem: 3.9ft, 14-second period, clean with an ESE cross-off at 9 mph, and another “expect very good surf conditions” note. That’s a great window.

Friday 24 July has a 3.6ft WSW swell, light ESE wind in the morning, and then Friday afternoon the wind goes completely glassy with 0 mph from the WSW. The report says “glassy.” That is a rare treat—silky smooth conditions. The swell is only 3.3ft with a 12-second period (316 energy), so it’s small, but for a clean, cruisy session on a reef, that’s hard to beat.

The best of the whole run? I’m calling Sunday 26 July the big standout. Morning session: 5.6ft swell from the WSW, 17-second period (very long period – 1659 energy), and a cross-off NNE breeze at 9 mph. The report says “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” That’s a beautiful combination: a solid, long-period groundswell, clean conditions, and a reef that will handle that period much better than a beach break. It’s got “dawn patrol classic” written all over it. Crowds are possible here, so get there early.

Tuesday 28 July is also a cracker: 5.2ft WSW swell, 15-second period, and clean offshore wind from the NE at 16 mph. It’s another “excellent for experienced surfers” call.

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