Arawhata Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s coming down the line for Arawhata.

The first week or so is a bit of a write-off, to be honest. We’ve got a solid amount of swell pushing in, but the wind is just not playing ball. It’s a real shame because there’s plenty of energy in the water.

Monday the 3rd is a no-go. There’s a 10ft swell from the WSW, but a strong 22 mph cross-onshore wind from the WSW is just ruining it, making things lumpy and poor. The combined swell energy is a massive 2437 (strong), but it’s all for nothing with that wind. Tuesday the 4th is not much better; a strong 25 mph cross-shore wind on the afternoon will chop things up.

We get a bit of a reprieve on Thursday morning, the 6th. The swell drops to 3ft from the WSW with a 12-second period, and the wind goes glassy from the NE. It’s only a small swell, but the combined energy is 241 (weak), and it will be clean. For a quick, small-wave session, that’s the best we’ve seen so far. The water temp is about 57°, which is pretty normal for this time of year.

Then we get a bit of a mess again. Saturday the 8th sees a new, short-period 10ft swell from the NW, but it’s cross-shore winds and rain. That’s more of a kitesurfing setup than a paddle session, with the short period (8 seconds) making for lumpy, weak waves.

The real standout, the one you’ve been waiting for, is Wednesday the 12th. The afternoon session is looking like a belter. We’ve got a 7ft swell from the WSW with a long 16-second period, providing real shape and power. The combined swell energy is a massive 3385 (very strong). The wind is a gentle cross-offshore from the ESE, keeping it clean. This is a serious amount of swell; over 8ft, so it’s strictly for the experienced crew. This is a reef break, and that long-period groundswell will wrap in beautifully here. It’s the best on offer in the whole forecast.

The morning of Thursday the 13th is a kick in the teeth. The same size swell is still there, but a fresh 22 mph cross-shore wind from the SE is going to turn it into a lumpy mess. The rest of the second week is a bit of a mixed bag. Friday the 14th afternoon has a 7ft, 18-second swell, but the wind is still fresh. Saturday the 15th afternoon looks cleaner with a 4ft swell and a gentle cross-offshore wind, a good option for the intermediates.

Overall, the first week is a write-off for any decent surf, but don’t give up. The 12th of August is the day to clear your calendar for.

Rusty.

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