Kugenuma Rivermouth Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Righto, let’s have a look at what’s coming up for Kugenuma Rivermouth (Kugenuma). This is a river mouth set-up, exposed to the south, so it needs a decent south swell to really get going. The water’s sitting at 75°, which is a bit colder than normal for this time of year – you’ll feel that chill on the first paddle out.

The next 16 days start with a bit of a blank. There’s decent swell on the cards, but the wind is a letdown. Friday the 10th kicks off with a solid 5ft south swell, 15-second period, and the wave energy is strong (1672). But the wind is blowing straight onshore from the south at 9 mph, making a mess of it. Saturday the 11th is similar – 7ft of SSW swell, 16-second period, with strong energy (2368), but again onshore wind. It’s frustrating because the size is there, but the quality is just not.

Then Sunday the 12th morning is the standout. The wind goes glassy, dead calm, and we’ve got a 6ft SSW swell, 16-second period, with very strong wave energy (1547). The surf report says excellent conditions for experienced surfers. This is the one to aim for. The swell is over 5ft, so it’s a bit big for beginners, but for anyone with some time in the water, it’s going to be clean and powerful. The period is long, so expect better-shaped waves, more energy, and longer waits between sets. Being a river mouth, that long period should make for some nice lines.

Monday the 13th morning sees the swell drop to 3ft, but the wind turns offshore from the NNE at 3 mph, giving us clean conditions. The wave energy is moderate (227). It’s a much smaller, mellower day, but clean. Tuesday the 14th drops further to 2ft, and the quality fades.

After that, we hit a long dry spell. From Wednesday the 15th right through to Wednesday the 22nd, the wave heights are tiny – mostly below 2ft – and the energy is weak. There are days with clean wind, but the swell just isn’t there. It’s a real gap of about a week with nothing worth paddling out for.

Things start to look a little more promising on Thursday the 23rd afternoon, with a 4ft south swell, 12-second period, and moderate wave energy (451). The wind is onshore though, so it’s still marginal. Friday the 24th morning shapes up better – 2ft swell, cross-offshore wind from the east, and the report says “expect good surf conditions.” The energy is moderate (200). It’s not a big day, but it’ll be clean and rideable.

Overall, the clear winner is Sunday morning the 12th. Glassy conditions, a solid 6ft SSW swell, and that long period. Get on it. After that, it’s a waiting game until the end of the second week.

Rusty

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