Arawhata Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, I’m Rusty. Let’s have a look at what’s coming up at Arawhata.

We’ve got a solid run of surf ahead, but you’ll need to pick your moments carefully. The first real window of opportunity kicks off Sunday morning, the 6th of September. There’s a beast of a swell rolling in—12 ft from the WSW—with a very long 16-second period, giving it some serious energy (combined energy of 5884). The wind is a cross-off from the NNW at 19 mph, which keeps things pretty clean. The water temp is sitting at 57°, which is close to normal for this time of year. This is a big, powerful groundswell though, and with that size and period, it’s going to be a handful—definitely for experienced surfers only. The break is a reef, so it should handle the size, but the tide could be a factor.

Monday morning, the 7th of September, is the standout of the whole forecast. The swell drops to a still very solid 8 ft, coming from the WSW with a 15-second period, moderate to strong energy (3645). The wind swings around to the ESE at only 6 mph—a light breeze and cross-off, which means glassy, clean faces. This is the best on offer. The conditions are dialed in for experienced surfers. It’s going to be a morning to remember. The afternoon turns ugly with a fresh cross-shore and lumpy conditions, so get in early.

From Tuesday the 8th onward, things get messy. The swell drops off, and the wind turns cross and onshore, ruining the quality. We go through a long stretch of poor surf from Tuesday through to the end of the second week. The swell gets huge again—up to 21 ft on the 12th and 13th—but the wind is onshore and strong, with a near gale blowing. Those days are blown out, messy, and dangerous. Kite surfers might love it, but for paddle surfing, it’s a write-off.

There’s a glimmer right at the tail end of the forecast. On Saturday morning, the 19th of September, the wind drops to a light breeze from the SW, but it’s onshore, with a 13 ft swell from the W at 10 seconds. The energy is strong (5356), but the quality is marginal. Still, if the wind plays nice, it could be a late option for the brave. The 20th of September has a cross-off wind but a strong breeze, keeping things clean but wild.

So, if you’re after the best waves, the Monday morning of the 7th is your window. The Sunday morning before that is also worth a look if you’ve got the chops. After that, you’re waiting until the 19th or 20th for anything close to rideable, but it’s a long shot. The rest of the period is a lot of size and wind, but not much quality.

Rusty.

Read more