Makorori Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the menu for the next couple of weeks.

We’ve got one spot that’s going to do the heavy lifting for this forecast: Makorori Point. It’s a point break, so it handles the swell direction nicely, and it’s an advanced wave that’s very consistent. The standouts are going to be the first Wednesday morning and then a massive, albeit expert-only, day on the 1st of September. But let’s walk through it.

Right now, the first good window hits Wednesday morning, 26 August. A clean 2ft swell out of the SSE, with a very long period of 18 seconds, is rolling in. The wind is a gentle offshore from the NW, which is going to keep the surface glassy. The energy is moderate (393). This is sessionable, and the crowds are possible, so get in early. The water temp is average for the time of year, nothing weird going on there.

That afternoon, the wind swings cross-shore and the swell drops a bit, so it’s a one-session day.

Thursday 27 August is a washout. The wind is onshore and the swell is bumpy. Don’t bother.

Friday 28 August is a nice little rebound. The morning is clean with a 4ft SE swell and a cross-offshore breeze. The energy is moderate (579). It’s a fun, clean wave, but not a standout.

Saturday 29 August through Sunday 30 August are small and weak. Swell dips to 2ft, energy is low (116-107). You can catch a tiny wave if you’re desperate, but it’s very ordinary.

Then we hit a gap. Monday 31 August is a mess. A 13ft SSW swell arrives with a howling 45 km/h cross-shore wind. It’s all chop and no order. Poor surf.

Now, here’s the big one. Tuesday morning, 1 September. The swell is predicted to be 18ft from the south, with a 14-second period and a massive energy reading of 17794. That is a lot of water moving. The wind is offshore and clean, but the file warns that this swell is simply too big for this break. This is for experts only, and even then, it’s a serious call. The wave could be unsurfable at this size depending on the tide. This is a true standout for the big-wave chargers, but the rest of us just watch from the cliff.

That afternoon, the wind goes cross-on and the swell drops to 10ft. Still big, but messy.

Wednesday 2 September morning is a return to form. A clean 5ft SE swell, offshore wind, and moderate energy (495). That’s a solid session.

Thursday 3 September and Friday 4 September are both good, with clean offshore winds and building swell energy. The morning of the 3rd has a 3ft SE swell, and the afternoon sees a 2ft swell but with a longer 14-second period. The 4th is consistent, clean, and small. These are good days for a log or a mid-length.

After that, the surf drops off significantly. From Saturday 5 September all the way through to Thursday 10 September, the swell is tiny, mostly under 2ft, with very low energy (often under 100). The wind is often clean, but there’s hardly any wave. It’s a long dry spell of about a week where the paddle out is barely worth it unless you’re just after a float.

So, the two true standouts: Wednesday 26 August for a clean, long-period groundswell that is totally manageable, and Tuesday 1 September for the massive, double-overhead-plus swell that is only for the experienced crew.

Stay safe out there.

- Rusty

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