Kahutara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of south swell lining up for Kahutara, but it’s a proper mixed bag—some magic moments, some real grunters, and a few days where you’ll be better off waxing the longboard or just watching from the rocks. Let’s break it down.

The first real surf hits on Tuesday morning, the 18th of August. It’s a bit of a test: 6.9ft of south swell, period a short 8 seconds, so it’s a bit lumpy and disorganised. Wind’s a cross-off from the SW at 15 mph, and the water’s sitting at 50.9°F, which is pretty normal for this time of year. The energy’s moderate (760), but it’s marginal out there—better to sit this one out unless you’re desperate. By Tuesday afternoon, it gets angry: 11.5ft, strong cross-shore wind at 25 mph, and the energy jumps to 2649. That’s messy, strong cross-chop. Not for paddling.

Wednesday the 19th of August is where things get interesting. Morning session: 9.8ft of south swell, but now the period is a long 15 seconds, and the wind is a gentle cross-off from the west at 9 mph. That’s a groundswell with real grunt—energy at 3628—and it’s clean. This is a standout for experienced surfers only. Over 8.2ft, it’s expert territory. The reef and point at Kahutara will handle that long period well, drawing lines down the bank. Tuesday afternoon holds at 7.9ft, 14-second period, lighter cross-off wind. Still excellent, still for the crew who know what they’re doing.

Thursday the 20th of August drops back to 4.6ft, 8-second period, but the wind goes glassy in the morning from the NW. Clean, small, and easy. The energy’s weak (408). Good for a longboard or a fun shortboard, but nothing to get hyped about. Friday morning the 21st of August is a gem: 3.6ft, but a long 14-second south swell, glassy offshore wind from the west. Energy at 503. That’s a lovely, clean, lined-up morning—very good surf, glassy conditions. The south swell direction is right on the money for Kahutara’s optimum. Crowds are possible here, so get in early.

Saturday the 22nd of August fades to 2.3ft, 10-second period, clean but ordinary. Not worth the drive. Sunday the 23rd of August is tiny—1.0ft—with strong offshore winds. No surf.

Monday the 24th of August brings a new pulse: 3.6ft, 14-second south swell, clean cross-off wind. Energy at 519. Very good conditions again. This is a consistent little run. Tuesday the 25th of August sees a rise to 4.9-5.2ft, 16-second period, but the wind turns cross-on from the ENE. It’s marginal, with a light chop. The energy is strong (1184-1253), but the wind steals the quality.

Wednesday the 26th of August is a beauty: 4.6ft, 14-16 second period, glassy wind from the NW and NNE. Energy at 821-980. Clean, glassy, very good surf. This is a standout for the more moderate crowd—size is manageable, and the conditions are pristine. Get on it.

Thursday the 27th of August holds 3.9-4.3ft, 11-second period, clean cross-off or glassy. Good surf, but not epic. Friday the 28th of August is small and short-period—4.9ft ENE with a 6-second period—clean but weak. The rest of the weekend is tiny and poor.

Then we look at the end of the month. Sunday the 30th of August is another glassy day: 3.6ft, 14-second south swell, glassy wind. Very good surf, energy at 541-504. This is a promising long-range call—less certain but worth pencilling in.

The real firecracker comes on Monday the 31st of August. Afternoon session: 13.1ft of south swell, 13-second period, energy at a massive 8601. That’s very strong, and the wind is a light cross-shore from the south. This is a massive, powerful groundswell—only for experts. The reef and point will handle it, but it’s a big, heavy day. The morning is 8.2ft with similar energy. Both are marginal due to the size and cross-shore wind, but if you’re a charger, you’ll be looking at this.

Tuesday the 1st of September drops to 6.6-6.9ft, 13-second period, cross-on wind. Still big, but the wind makes it choppy. Wednesday the 2nd of September improves: 5.6ft, 12-second period, clean cross-off from the SW. Energy at 890. Very good conditions to finish the run.

Read more