Piha-The Bar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Alright, let’s have a proper look at what’s on the cards for Piha over the next couple of weeks. It’s gonna be a wild ride, but you’ve got to pick your moments carefully.

We’ve got a massive run of swell heading our way, but the first few days are simply too dangerous for most folks. The water is sitting at a cool 59°, which is pretty much what you’d expect for this time of year, no surprises there.

The week kicks off with a serious dose of power. Saturday the 12th is a write-off for anything but the most seasoned charger. Early morning you’re looking at a solid 15 ft SW swell with a period of 11 seconds, but a 22 mph cross-off wind will keep it raw. This is expert-only territory with wave energy absolutely pumping (7824). By afternoon, it’s still a burly 12 ft, but a longer 16-second period groundswell is in the mix, which will push through for the crew who know the lineup. Sunday the 13th is no different – another 15 ft morning with a 16-second period, wind swinging cross-shore at 19 mph. It’s a beast, and it’s only for the brave.

Monday the 14th sees the swell ease a fraction, still a solid 12 ft SW groundswell (16-second period) in the morning, but the wind backs off to a 12 mph cross-off, tidying things up a little. It’s still a huge day. The wave energy is monstrous (10670), but it’s clean. If you’re an expert, this is your window. The afternoon drops to 10 ft but the energy halves (4698), still not for the faint-hearted.

From Tuesday the 15th through to Thursday the 17th, we’re in the zone of “too much to be perfect”. Swell hangs around 8 ft to 8 ft, winds are light to moderate and mostly cross or cross-on. The wave energy dips into the low thousands (963-2648). Surfable but not the standout. Crowds are possible at Piha, always a factor.

Here’s where it gets interesting. Mark your calendar for Friday the 18th. The morning is a cracker for expert surfers. A 10 ft SW groundswell with a very long 17-second period, and a light 9 mph offshore from the SE. That’s glassy offshore lines. The energy is back up (5603). This is the kind of morning you dream about – clean, powerful, and focused. The point and reef will handle that long period beautifully. The afternoon stays clean with a 16-second swell, but the wind picks up a bit.

Saturday the 19th is a step back. The swell holds at 10 ft, but a stiff 19 mph cross-off and cross-shore wind will chop it up. Leave it.

Now, the real standout of the entire outlook is Sunday the 20th. This is the one you wait for. The morning brings a 10 ft WSW swell, light 6 mph offshore breeze, and clean conditions. But the afternoon? Absolute magic. A 13 ft WSW groundswell with a 16-second period, light 6 mph cross-off wind, and glassy clean surf. The wave energy is pumping (7907). This is exceptional for experts. Crowds will be there, sure, but for this kind of quality, you’ll deal with it.

Monday the 21st keeps the energy high with a 13 ft morning and clean conditions, but it drops off through the week. Tuesday the 22nd eases to 7 ft, Wednesday the 23rd bumps back up to 12 ft with a clean offshore in the afternoon from the SSE. Thursday the 24th holds at 12 ft with light offshore winds – another excellent session for experienced surfers.

And then we get a little gift. Friday the 25th morning: 10 ft SW swell, 15-second period, and glassy conditions with a 3 mph easterly. That’s about as clean as it gets. The afternoon is exceptional again with 10 ft surf and calm winds (7708 energy). Saturday the 26th stays good at 8 ft with light winds. Sunday the 27th rounds it out with a 10 ft, 18-second period groundswell in the morning – very long period, so the point and reef will be your friends there, and the beach breaks might get a bit straight.

So, the best of the best? Friday 18th morning for the offshore lines, and Sunday 20th afternoon for the sheer size and power with clean conditions. Both are expert-level but absolutely world-class. For the experienced surfer not looking for a barrel with your name on it, the mornings of the 25th and 26th are also brilliant.

Stay safe out there.

Rusty.

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