Arawhata Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G'day, Rusty here. Let's have a proper look at what Arawhata has got cookin' over the next couple of weeks. We're starting with a bit of a slow burner, but there are a couple of days that'll get the heart racing.

First thing's first, the water temp's sittin' at 57°, which is pretty much what you'd expect for this time of year, no surprises there.

Arawhata is a reef setup that's exposed to the SW, and that's exactly where this swell's coming from. We've got a long period groundswell (13-14 seconds) in the water from the get-go, but Wednesday the 2nd is a write-off. Cross-onshore W winds in the 16 mph range are choppin' everything to bits, and with 6 ft to 6 ft of swell, it's just messy. The wave energy's moderate (1649-1835), but you wouldn't know it from the surface.

Thursday the 3rd is where we start to see a bit of promise. Those NNW winds shift cross-offshore, and the swell bumps up a touch to 6 ft-6 ft, still from the WSW with a nice 14-second period. It's clean, but the word "marginal" is floatin' around, so don't expect perfection. Wave energy's still solid (1253-1414), but it's a "wait and see" kinda morning.

Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th are straight-up forgettable. We get a big spike in swell — 12 ft on Friday with a short, nasty 8-9 second period and strong 25 mph winds. The wave energy's rockin' hard (2967-3207), but it's a washing machine out there. Saturday's even bigger with 4874 energy, but still cross-onshore. Not worth wettin' a suit.

Sunday the 6th is tantalising but frustrating. Clean conditions with strong NNW cross-offshore winds, and the swell's still a solid 10 ft from the WSW with a long 16-second period. Wave energy is massive at 4600. But those winds are blowin' 22 mph, and even though it's clean, it's gonna be a battle. For the hardcore crew only.

Now here’s the standout. Monday the 7th September. This is the one. Glassy conditions — I mean, dead flat calm, 3 mph W winds going glass. The swell's a meaty 10 ft from the WSW, still with that long 15-second period. Wave energy is 3735, so it's got plenty of grunt. The catch? This is a reef, and with that much long-period groundswell, it's gonna be powerful and throwin'. It's not a day for beginners — over 8 ft means it's expert territory. But for the crew that knows what they're doin', this is as good as it gets. The crowds are listed as "sometimes," so you won't be alone, but you'll get your share.

Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th are back to average. Clean-ish, but cross-onshore winds and dropping swell (7 ft-8 ft) with shorter periods (10 seconds) mean it's lumpy and unremarkable. Wave energy drops right off to 923-983.

Thursday the 10th is a dud — small 2 ft-4 ft swell and strong winds onshore. Skimboards might get a look in, but not proper surf.

Now, Friday the 11th sees another massive spike — 8 ft-8 ft, long 18-second period, and wave energy through the roof at 6412. But it's all onshore and rainy. So close, yet so far.

Saturday the 12th is your second standout. The morning session is the go. Light 6 mph NNW winds giving clean, cross-offshore conditions. The swell's 8 ft from the WSW, 16-second period, and the energy is still strong at 3234. This is a big swell, again for the experienced crew, but it's clean and the wind is right. Just watch that afternoon — the W wind swings cross-onshore and spoils it.

The rest of the run into the 16th and 17th is a mixed bag. Sunday the 13th is big (8 ft) but short-period (8 seconds) and messy. Monday the 14th has a 8 ft swell with a decent period, but it's all cross-onshore. Tuesday the 15th drops off to 6 ft and the energy is gettin' weak (1132). Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th bring back some longer-period swell (14-15 seconds) and clean winds, but the size is down around 4 ft to 7 ft. It's marginal but surfable if you're keen.

So, to wrap it up: if you've got one day to paddle out, make it Monday the 7th September for glassy, powerful waves. If you miss that, Saturday the 12th September morning is your back-up. Both are big-swell days — not for the faint-hearted.

Rusty

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