Karekare Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Gather ‘round, crew. Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what Karekare’s got cookin’ over the next couple of weeks. Gotta be straight with you: it’s a long, frustrating wait before anything worthwhile shows its face. The whole first week is a write-off, with big, messy, onshore slop from the southwest that’s just plain ugly. The combined swell energy is through the roof – we're talking 9,941 on Tuesday morning – but it’s all wind-blown chaos and too big for any fun.

We finally get a window for a paddle on Saturday, September 5th. The swell is still massive, a solid 12ft to 13ft from the WSW, and the combined energy is roaring at 4,890 to 5,767. But the wind eases right down to a gentle breeze for the afternoon. The notes say it’s too big for the break, so this is an expert’s game only. For everyone else, it’s still a raw, messy beast. That same pattern – massive, clean but way too much – continues into Sunday morning, September 6th, with that 10ft WSW swell and lighter winds, but it’s just too big for a good time.

Then we’re back into the grinder until Monday, September 14th. That afternoon, something special happens. The wind goes glassy – absolute flat calm – and the swell is still a chunky 8ft from the WSW with a period of 14 seconds. The combined energy sits at 2,483 – solid but manageable. This is the standout. It’s a long-period groundswell, which will wrap in with proper shape, but it’s best for the reefs and points, not the beach itself. It’s for the experienced crew only, but that glassy window is golden.

Tuesday, September 15th, keeps the offshore flow from the NE, with an 12ft SW swell and clean conditions, but again, it's too big for most.

So here’s the deal: if you’re an expert and can handle an 8ft to 11ft cleanup, the Monday 14th afternoon glass-off is the one to circle. For the rest of us, it’s a whole lot of watching and waiting. The next two weeks aren’t offering much for the average surfer.

- Rusty

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