Karekare Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s talk about what’s coming up for Karekare.

Right now, we’ve got a bit of a slow start, but once we get past the first couple of days, this place is going to fire. The water is sitting at 58°, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The first real action kicks off Tuesday morning, the 28th of July. We’re looking at a 5ft WSW swell, with a solid 12-second period (moderate energy at 866). The wind is a light SSE cross-off, so the surface is going to be clean. It’s not the biggest, but it’s a good, honest start.

Things get more interesting on Wednesday the 30th of July. The morning session is the standout for the first week. The swell is 7ft from the WSW, with a 14-second period. That’s a long-period groundswell, and it’s packing a good punch (combined energy of 1638). We’ve got a light NNE cross-off breeze, so it’s clean. This is a session for the experienced crew – that size and power will be too much for beginners. The long period means Karekare, being an exposed beach setup, might see those waves standing up a bit too straight, but with that offshore flow, there will be some gems.

The next few days are a write-off. Friday the 31st is a total mess with onshore wind and rain, and Saturday the 1st of August has a massive 13ft to 15ft swell. That’s a monster, and it’s simply too big for this break unless you’re on a gun and have a death wish.

We get a good lull, and then the real gold appears the following week. The morning of Monday the 3rd of August is a ripper for experienced surfers. A 5ft SW swell, but with a 20-second period – that’s a very long, powerful groundswell (2565 energy). The wind is a clean cross-off from the SE. This is where that long period really counts, offering deep, powerful lines. The same goes for Tuesday the 4th of August morning, with a similar 8ft SW swell, 16-second period, and light SE cross-off wind. These are the days you want to be organised for.

The following days hold some solid, consistent swell. The 5th of August morning brings a 7ft SW swell with a solid ENE offshore wind – that’s a clean, groomed setup. The 6th and 7th of August keep the theme going with offshore winds and solid SW swells in the 6ft to 8ft range. The 7th of August does have a shorter period (8-9 seconds), so those waves will be a bit more local and weaker, but still fun with the clean offshore wind.

The second week is a bit more of a mixed bag. The 8th of August morning is still good with a 5ft SW swell and a moderate offshore, but by the 9th and 10th, we’re hit with strong cross-off winds that will make it tricky. There’s a bit of a rebound on the 11th and 12th of August, with the 12th of August morning offering a 5ft SW swell and a gentle cross-off. It’s nothing special, but it’s worth a look if you’re keen.

The best on offer: The standout is the morning of Monday the 3rd of August – that 20-second period groundswell with clean wind is a rare treat. The morning of Tuesday the 4th of August runs a very close second. For the first week, the morning of the 30th of July is your best bet.

– Rusty

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