Karekare Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. We’ve got a solid run of surf coming up at Karekare, starting Tuesday the 11th of August and stretching right through. The first couple of days are looking clean and fun, with a real standout punch later in the week for those who can handle a bit more size.

Tuesday morning, the 11th, sees a clean 4ft WSW groundswell with a nice 14-second period and light offshore ENE wind. The combined energy is a healthy 872 (moderate to strong), and the water temp is about average for this time of year. It’s a beauty to start—clean faces, good shape, and not too big. That vibe holds into the afternoon with a similar 4ft swell and light offshore winds, energy nudging up to 885. This is the kind of session you paddle out for as soon as you can.

Wednesday the 12th drops off a bit—the swell eases to 3ft, period jumps to 18 seconds, but the wind picks up to 30 km/h from the ENE, cross-off. It’s clean but the energy’s down to 632. Not terrible, but not the pick of the week.

Thursday the 13th is where it starts to get interesting. Morning brings 4ft from the west, 10-second period, light offshore ENE wind, and energy of 824—clean, fun, and building. But the afternoon is where it fires: 4ft WSW swell, 17-second period, light ENE breeze, and the energy jumps to 1880. That’s a serious step up. The waves will have real punch and shape, though the long period means it’s best for those with experience—this is for the crew who know the peak. Crowds are possible here, so keep an eye out.

Friday the 14th is the big day. Morning: 6ft WSW swell, 16-second period, light offshore E wind, energy at 2003. Afternoon: 5ft WSW, 16 seconds, offshore ENE at 15 km/h, energy 1495. This is excellent, clean surf for experienced surfers. The swell is pushing over 5ft, so beginners be warned—it’s not for you.

Saturday the 15th gets bigger and messier. Morning sees 7ft WSW, 17 seconds, cross-off SSE wind, energy 2265. It’s still clean but the size is up. Afternoon jumps to 8ft WSW, 17 seconds, cross-shore SSW wind at 25 km/h, energy 4121. That’s strong wave energy, but the wind starts to chop things up—not the best for paddle surfing, might be more of a kite day.

Sunday the 16th is similar: 8ft WSW, 16 seconds, cross-shore S wind at 30-35 km/h, energy over 4000. Lumpy and windy—leave the log at home.

Monday the 17th is for experts only. Morning hits 12ft SW swell, 15 seconds, cross-shore S wind at 35 km/h, energy a massive 7210. That’s powerful, dangerous surf for the very skilled. Afternoon drops to 10ft but with a strong 45 km/h SSW cross-shore—messy and not recommended.

The following week settles down. Tuesday the 18th: 8ft SW, clean morning with cross-off SSE wind, energy 2200. Still big but cleaner. Wednesday the 19th: 7ft SW, cross-shore winds, energy around 1960—okay but not great.

Then Thursday the 20th morning is a glassy gem: 7ft SW, 14-second period, glassy conditions with ESE wind at 5 km/h, energy 1929. That’s clean, powerful surf for the experienced. A real treat if you can get out.

Friday the 21st fades to 5-6ft with onshore SW wind—choppy and poor. Saturday the 22nd drops to 4-4ft, cross-shore winds, low energy. Sunday the 23rd morning picks up again: 4ft SW, 12-second period, light offshore E wind, energy 508—clean and small but fun.

From Monday the 24th onward, the swell tanks. Morning has 1ft WSW, 16 seconds, fresh offshore E wind at 30 km/h, energy only 258. That’s tiny. Tuesday the 25th: 2ft, cross-off winds, energy around 287. Wednesday the 26th: 3ft onshore WSW wind, poor.

Overall, the standout is Friday the 14th and Thursday the 20th morning—both offer clean, powerful surf for the experienced crew. If you’re a beginner, aim for Tuesday the 11th.

Rusty.

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