Waiaha Rivermouth / Honls Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here again. Let’s talk surf in feet and fahrenheit.

The first few days are a bit of a slow burn. The real prize is a Monday afternoon session. Let’s get into it.

We’ve got a wait on our hands. The first surf worth mentioning is Saturday morning, the 5th of September. The water’s about 82°, which is a little warmer than normal for this time of year. That morning, we’ve got a 5ft SSW swell with a 12-second period, but the wind is a cross-onshore from the SSW at 15 km/h, putting a little texture on it. The combined energy is moderate at 771. It’s rideable, but it’s not clean. Saturday afternoon is a bit cleaner with lighter wind, but still not the pick.

Sunday the 6th is a no-go. The swell drops, and by afternoon we’re looking at a tiny 2ft swell with a very long 19-second period. That long period will make the waves fat and tricky at a beach break. Skip it.

Now, here’s the good stuff. Monday, the 7th of September, afternoon is the standout. The wind goes glassy from the NNW at just 5 km/h. The swell is a solid 6ft from the WSW with a 13-second period, and the combined energy is strong at 1938. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The glassy conditions will make the waves look like a mirror. Remember, this is an advanced reef, and with a 6ft swell, it’s not a beginner’s spot. Keep an eye on the tide, but the wind and swell combo is the best we’re going to get.

After that, it’s a long dry spell. From Tuesday the 8th through the 15th of September, the swell is small and weak. There are days with tiny, long-period swells (over 20 seconds) and very low combined energy, some under 200. Don’t bother. The wind is mostly onshore or cross-onshore, keeping things messy.

It’s not until the 19th and 20th of September that we see a little bump. Saturday the 19th has a 3ft SSW swell with a 17-second period (562 combined energy), but the wind is light and onshore, so it’ll be soft. Sunday the 20th is similar. You might get a couple of waves, but it’s nothing like that Monday afternoon.

So, the bottom line: if you’re an experienced surfer, the Monday afternoon window is the one to chase. Glassy conditions and a solid 6ft groundswell from the WSW. The rest of the week is a waiting game. Don’t get your hopes up.

Rusty.

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