Papanoa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for the next couple of weeks.

We’re looking at a solid run of surf coming up, starting this Saturday morning. It’s not a massive swell, but don’t let the size fool you – we’ve got a nice, long-period groundswell that’s going to deliver some proper shaped waves. The energy is moderate (536), and with glassy conditions, it’s a sweet way to kick things off.

Saturday morning (22nd August) is your first call. The swell is a clean 3 ft from the SSW, with a period of 14 seconds, and the wind is light and cross-off from the NNW. That’s a recipe for clean, lined-up waves. It’s an exposed spot, so it’s picking up the energy well. Best for a solid intermediate session.

Later Saturday afternoon, the wind swings onshore from the WSW, and the surf gets a bit choppy and messy. Not the time.

Sunday morning (23rd August) is a gift. The wind goes glassy from the ENE, the swell drops ever so slightly to 2 ft from the SW, but the period jumps to 18 seconds. That’s a very long-period groundswell, boys. The energy is moderate (843), but the wave quality will be excellent. A bit of a risk of a thunderstorm, but if you’re in the water, you won’t care. The water temp is about average for this time of year.

Monday morning (24th August) is another glassy beauty. 2 ft from the SW at 17 seconds, with the wind from the E. It’s a repeat of Sunday morning’s magic. Energy is moderate (587). Then Tuesday morning (25th August) is flat calm, glassy, 2 ft from the SW, but still with that lovely long period of 16 seconds. The energy is weak (349), but the waves will be clean and fun.

We get a bit of a lull in the middle of the week, but the standout is clearly Friday morning (28th August). The swell jumps up to 4 ft from the SSW, period 17 seconds, and the energy is strong (1142). The wind is glassy from the NNE. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The wave comment says it all: “excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers.” The size is getting into the territory where it’s too much for beginners, but for the rest of us, it’s a proper session.

Saturday morning (29th August) is similar: 6 ft from the SW at 16 seconds, energy strong (1585), glassy from the ENE. Again, excellent for experienced surfers. The swell is now over 5 ft, so it’s not for the faint-hearted.

The run continues into the next week. Monday morning (31st August) has 6 ft SSW swell, period 13 seconds, energy strong (1118), and glassy conditions from the NE. Another excellent session for the experienced crew.

The second week sees the swell hold strong. Thursday morning (3rd September) is a gem: 3 ft from the SW at 16 seconds, but the energy is very strong (1416). The wind is dead calm, glassy. That’s a surfers’ dream. Then Friday morning (4th September) sees the swell peak at 6 ft from the SW, 17 seconds, and the energy is very strong (2751). The wind is glassy from the NE. This is the biggest, most powerful, and cleanest window of the entire forecast. A true standout for the crew.

The following Saturday morning (5th September) is also a standout: 5 ft from the SW, 16 seconds, glassy from the E, with very strong energy (2501). Still excellent.

Crowds: This spot is listed as “sometimes” crowded, so on these glassy, excellent mornings, expect to see some company. But it’s worth it.

The long period swells (over 15 seconds) are a major positive here because this is an exposed break, and they’ll produce better-shaped, more powerful waves. The only downside is that the sets will be a bit more spaced out, but that just makes paddling out easier.

In short, the first week is a beauty, and the second week has some absolute belters, especially the mornings from the 28th through to the 6th of September. Get it while it’s good.

Rusty.

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