Kahutara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what Kahutara’s got cookin’ for us. This is a reef and point set-up that’s fairly consistent, and it’s exposed to the swell, so it can pull in some decent energy. The water temp is sitting at 52°, which is about 0.9° warmer than normal for this time of year—nothing too wild, just a touch on the mild side.

We’ve got a bit of a wait on our hands, though. The first couple of days are pretty grim. Monday the 6th has a tiny 2ft south swell with a super long 19-second period, but it’s cross-off and just too small to get excited about. Tuesday the 7th is a write-off with heavy rain and strong cross-on winds—big, lumpy, and ugly. Wednesday the 8th and Thursday the 9th see some size (8ft to 10ft) but the wind is all over the shop and it’s messy. Not worth paddling out for.

Friday the 10th starts to clean up a little. We’ve got 8ft from the ESE with a 10-second period, and the wind swings cross-off with a gentle breeze. It’s still marginal, but you could find a sneaky one if you’re keen. The combined energy is moderate (1548). Saturday the 11th morning looks better: 6ft ESE swell, light cross-off breeze, clean conditions, and the energy drops to 930. It’s surfable, but nothing to write home about.

Sunday the 12th morning is clean with a 5ft ESE swell and light NW cross-off winds, but the energy is weak (472). From Monday the 13th through to Thursday the 16th, it’s all small stuff—under 3ft, mostly ordinary, not worth chasing.

Now, Friday the 17th of July, we get a little pulse. The morning has 5ft south swell (6-second period) and light WSW cross-off winds, producing 351 units of energy. It’s clean and surfable, but the period is short so it’ll be a bit crumbly. Saturday the 18th morning is similar with 4ft south swell and light offshore WNW winds—clean again, but still small.

But hold onto your board, because Sunday the 19th is the absolute standout of this whole outlook. We’ve got a massive 18ft SE groundswell with a very long 14-second period, light cross-off NW winds, and the combined energy is absolutely pumping at 12364. This is expert-only territory—over 8ft, deep, powerful, and very long period. On a reef and point like Kahutara, this is where it gets serious. Expect heavy, well-shaped sets with long waits between them. Sunday afternoon is glassy with a 16ft SE swell and 13-second period (8654 energy), equally epic but still for experts only. Crowds are likely here, and for good reason.

Monday the 20th drops to a still solid 8ft SE swell (11-second period) with clean cross-off winds. That’s an excellent window for experienced surfers, with strong energy (2247). It’s big but not quite as terrifying as Sunday.

After that, Tuesday the 21st fades fast. Morning has 4ft SE swell (9-second period) with light cross-off winds, and the afternoon turns glassy with a 4ft SE swell. It’s small and clean, a nice easy finish to the run.

If you’re a beginner, steer clear of the 17th to 20th—it’s too big. For the rest, the real gold is Sunday the 19th at Kahutara. That’s the one.

Rusty.

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