Cobden Breakwater Surf Break

Lat Long: 42.44° S 171.20° E

Cobden Breakwater Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 11 am 07 Sep 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Cobden Breakwater sea temperature is
12.9°C
0.7° 

Cobden Breakwater surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Cobden Breakwater surf forecast from 7 Sep 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Saturday 12 Sep, 12AM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 10s period, WSW swell with onshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Friday 11 Sep, 3AM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 19s period, W swell with 6,002 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 7 Sep, 3PM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 14s period with WSW swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Cobden Breakwater this week:

The surf forecast for Cobden Breakwater over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Sep 07) at 3PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.5m and 14s period with a secondary swell of 1.3m and 8s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Cobden Breakwater in the next 16 days are 3.0m 19s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Sep 11) at 3AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.8m 8s period and expected on Monday (Sep 07) at 9PM.

Wave TypeTime (NZST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 3PM (Mon 7th Sep)5ft (1.5m) 14s
Best Surf12AM (Sat 12th Sep)11ft (3.5m) 10s
Most Powerful 3AM (Fri 11th Sep)10ft (3.0m) 19s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Cobden Breakwater over the next 16 days.


The Lowdown

G’day, Rusty here, and we’ve got a solid 16-day window ahead at Cobden Breakwater. The pattern starts with clean, manageable waves, builds into a real standout session for the experienced crew, then gets a bit wild and woolly before offering another taste of quality toward the end. The water’s sitting at 55°, which is about average for this time of year, so nothing unusual there.

The first real action kicks off Monday morning, the 7th September. It’s a little cloudy, with a cross-off ESE breeze at 12 mph, and we’ve got a 5 ft swell from the WSW, wrapping in at a long 14 seconds. The combined energy is pumping at 1182, so there’s some serious grunt, but it’s a bit beginner-heavy and the tide might be a question mark. Monday afternoon cleans right up—clear skies, an offshore E wind at 6 mph, and the swell drops slightly to 5 ft, still from the WSW with that same 14-second period. This is excellent for experienced surfers, with the wind keeping things tidy.

Tuesday the 8th is glassy, pure magic. Both morning and afternoon see a slight air, with the swell dropping to 4 ft and 3 ft, coming from the west at 12 seconds. The energy is moderate, around 458 and 363, and the glassy conditions are a major positive—clean, smooth, and easy paddling. Good for a relaxed session on a smaller board.

Wednesday the 9th kicks off with a glassy morning again, some clouds, and a 4 ft WSW swell at 10 seconds, energy at 530. The afternoon gets a bit lumpy with a light cross-on from the WNW, so the morning is your pick.

Now, Thursday the 10th is a write-off—strong onshore SW winds at 16 mph and rain, with the swell building to 8 ft. The energy jumps to 2809, but it’s messy and blown out. Not worth it.

But hold onto your board, because Friday the 11th is the standout. Friday morning sees a cloudy sky, a light cross-off E breeze at 3 mph, and a 10 ft swell from the west with a very long 18-second period. That’s groundswell of the highest order, and the combined energy is a massive 5682. This is exceptional surf, but it’s only for experts—over 8 ft and that long period means it’ll be breaking a bit straight at a beach break, so it’s better suited to the point or reef, but the wind is clean. Friday afternoon is similar, with a light offshore E wind and a 10 ft west swell at 17 seconds, energy at 4641. Still excellent, but still for the experienced.

Saturday the 12th is too big—12 ft in the morning, onshore SW wind, and the system says it’s too much for this break. Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th are onshore and messy, with moderate swells but poor conditions.

Tuesday the 15th brings a reprieve: morning has a cross-off NNE breeze at 3 mph, a 5 ft west swell at 14 seconds, and energy at 780. Clean and very good, but the afternoon turns cross-shore and lumpy.

Wednesday the 16th and Thursday the 17th are a loss—strong onshore winds, rain, and even a risk of thunderstorms, with swell up to 8 ft. The energy is moderate but conditions are poor.

Now, another highlight: Friday the 18th morning. Some clouds, a light cross-off east breeze at 3 mph, and a 8 ft west swell with a 15-second period. Energy sits at 3464, and it’s excellent for experienced surfers. The wind is clean, but the swell is big, so keep it for the confident crew.

After that, Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th are blown out again with strong winds and big, messy swell. The 21st and 22nd show a final hope: Tuesday the 22nd morning is glassy, with an ESE wind at 0 mph, a 8 ft west swell at a very long 17 seconds, and energy at 4182. That’s excellent for experts, with glassy conditions, but it’s a big groundswell that might be tricky at the beach. Still, the calm wind makes it a worthy note.

Best on offer: Friday the 11th morning, with that 10 ft west swell, 18-second period, and light offshore wind. It’s the standout for the experienced. Second pick: Tuesday the 22nd morning, if you can wait, with glassy conditions and a big groundswell.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Light rain (total 7mm), mostly falling on Wed night. Very mild (max 12°C on Mon afternoon, min 6°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 4-6 Weather Summary

Moderate rain (total 11mm), heaviest on Sat night. Very mild (max 11°C on Sat night, min 4°C on Thu night). Winds increasing (calm on Fri afternoon, fresh winds from the WSW by Sat night).

Monday
7
Tuesday
8
Wednesday
9
Thursday
10
Friday
11
Saturday
12
Sunday
13
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
3
4
2
2
2
2
3
2
1
0
0
5
6
5
!
!
1
0
1
1
1
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
1.6
WSW
14
1.5
WSW
14
1.1
WSW
10
1.1
W
12
1
W
12
0.8
W
9
1.3
WSW
10
1.3
WSW
11
1.2
WSW
10
1.5
WSW
16
2.4
WSW
14
2.1
W
19
3
W
18
3
W
17
3.5
WSW
10
3.5
W
11
3
WSW
10
1.7
W
16
2.5
W
9
2.5
W
9
1.5
W
15
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
966
815
250
353
284
103
370
407
331
1038
2297
3303
5682
4641
2062
2595
1544
1404
1198
1099
1088
Wind (km/h)
20
ESE
10
E
10
ESE
5
SE
5
WNW
5
SE
5
ESE
10
WNW
10
NNW
25
SW
25
SW
10
ESE
5
E
5
E
20
SW
15
SW
20
SW
25
WSW
20
SW
20
WSW
15
WSW
Wind State
cross-off
off
cross-off
glassy
glassy
glassy
glassy
cross-on
cross
on
on
cross-off
cross-off
off
on
on
on
on
on
on
on
High Tide
7:37PM2.91m
8:11AM2.94m
8:39PM3.09m
9:07AM3.09m
9:29PM3.26m
9:56AM3.21m
10:14PM3.38m
10:38AM3.29m
10:56PM3.42m
11:18AM3.31m
11:35PM3.38m
11:55AM3.27m
00:12AM3.28m
Low Tide
1:21PM1.12m
1:57AM0.94m
2:26PM0.94m
2:54AM0.74m
3:19PM0.74m
3:44AM0.57m
4:05PM0.58m
4:28AM0.46m
4:46PM0.49m
5:08AM0.43m
5:25PM0.47m
5:47AM0.47m
6:03PM0.53m
part cloud
clear
part cloud
cloud
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
rain showers
light rain
rain showers
part cloud
cloud
light rain
part cloud
cloud
light rain
mod rain
rain showers
light rain
light rain
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:50
6:50
6:48
6:46
6:43
6:43
6:41
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
6:15
6:15
6:16
6:17
6:19
6:20
6:21
 mm
7
1
1
1
1
7
2
2
4
Temp °C
11
12
7
10
11
9
11
12
10
10
10
7
7
8
9
10
10
11
11
11
11
Feels °C
6
8
4
8
10
7
9
9
7
4
4
4
5
5
6
5
5
6
6
7
6
  • Map Icons:
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  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Cobden Breakwater Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Cobden Breakwater provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Cobden Breakwater can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Cobden Breakwater surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Cobden Breakwater) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).

Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Cobden Breakwater may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.

Cobden Breakwater is 172 km (107 miles) from the city of Christchurch. If you plan a holiday in West Coast South Island, look for hotels and other accommodation in Christchurch. Christchurch has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.

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