Haumoana River Mouth Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let’s take a look at what’s shaping up for us.

Right off the bat, we've got a bit of a wait on our hands. The first solid window doesn't open until Wednesday, the 8th of July, at the Haumoana River Mouth. It’s a river bar setup, so you’ve gotta be clued-in for that one – advanced only. That morning, we’re looking at a clean, head-high plus swell, about 5ft out of the east, with a light offshore breeze. The water’s sitting at 55°, which is a bit colder than usual for this time of year, so a decent 4/3 is a good call. The energy is moderate, around 400 (combined energy), making for a fun session with a bit of push. Crowds can show up here sometimes, so get in early for a window of clean banks.

Wednesday afternoon sees a switch in wind, turning cross-off with a bit of light rain. The surf stays similar in size, but it gets a bit more marginal and the quality drops. Thursday is a write-off – howling southerly winds, near gale strength, making a mess of things. Friday the 10th sees the swell bump up to 8ft out of the ESE with a period of 11 seconds, but it’s wind-affected and the tide might be a factor. That’s a solid wall of water, but the wind is just off enough to make it a chore.

By Saturday morning the 11th, the swell drops back to a clean 5ft with a cross-off breeze, and the afternoon cleans up further with a gentle breeze. It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about. Then we hit a real lull from Sunday afternoon through to about the 15th. A few tiny, knee-high waves with offshore wind make for a longboard cruise, but it’s ordinary. The wave energy drops to under 100 (96), essentially flat with a pulse. This period of small, weak surf lasts for a few days.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. On the morning of Thursday, the 16th of July, we get a proper groundswell. A 5ft swell from the ESE with a long period of 14 seconds, light offshore wind, and clean conditions. That’s a standout for the river mouth – that long period will wrap in nicely and produce some proper shape. The energy is solid, around 778 (combined energy). This is the pick of the first part of the forecast.

Looking further out, the 21st of July (Tuesday) morning brings a glassy, 6ft short-period swell from the east. But later that afternoon, a 10ft pulse arrives. That’s too big for this break for anyone but the most experienced with a death wish – the energy reading of 2016 says it all. That's kite-surf territory for most.

The true standout, though, is the morning of Wednesday, the 22nd of July. Clean, cross-off breeze, and a solid 8ft groundswell out of the ESE with a 12-second period. The combined energy is a massive 3196 – that's strong. This is excellent for experienced surfers, but the river bar will be heavy, powerful, and unforgiving. Not for the faint of heart. The morning of the 23rd is a good follow-up, with clean, glassy 5ft waves, but the onshores return by afternoon.

Overall, we’ve got a slow start, a few fun days mid-month, and a powerful, expert-only window opening up around the 21st and 22nd. Pick your moment and don't be late.

- Rusty

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