Piha-The Bar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s get into it for Piha.

We’ve got a pretty wild ride ahead over the next couple of weeks. The first few days are a bit of a write-off, but don’t write it off completely. Things start slow and messy, but there’s some serious gold waiting for us if we’re patient.

The water temperature is sitting around 57°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, so no nasty surprises there.

The first real chance to get wet isn’t until Sunday, August 2nd. Saturday the 1st has some massive, dangerous swell (over 15ft with a combined energy of 7188), so unless you’re a madman, stay out of the water. That’s just stupid dangerous.

Sunday, August 2nd is where it starts to get interesting. The morning looks clean with a light cross-offshore breeze from the SSE. You’re looking at a solid 8ft SW swell with a 12-second period (moderate energy of 1563). This is excellent for experienced surfers; the Piha Bar will be working, but it’s not for beginners. The offshore wind will keep things tidy.

Monday, August 3rd – skip it. The wind is howling from the SW at 15-19 mph, making a mess of even the 6ft swell. The energy is there (3471), but it’s lumpy and cross-shore. Not worth the paddle.

Tuesday, August 4th – still a bit rough. The swell is a solid 10ft from the SW with a long 16-second period (4703 energy), but the wind is still cross-shore. It’s a looker, but not a paddler.

Now, Wednesday, August 5th – this is a standout. The morning is *glassy*, with zero wind. That’s a major positive. The swell drops to a much more manageable 7ft (1712 energy) from the SW, with a 14-second period. This is a groundswell, so it’ll be powerful and well-shaped on the reef. This is the window for the experienced crew. Clean, glassy waves at Piha? Yes, please.

Thursday, August 6th – small and blown out. The swell drops to 3ft. Not much happening.

Friday, August 7th – the afternoon is a sneaky good one. The wind swings to a light cross-offshore from the E at 6 mph. The swell is 6ft from the WSW with a 12-second period (1028 energy). This is clean, manageable, and a solid option for a surf.

The following week kicks off with a beautiful run of weather and waves.

Saturday, August 8th – morning is a bit gusty with a fresh offshore from the SE (19 mph), but the afternoon is *clean*. A 2ft SW swell with an 18-second period (615 energy). Don’t let the size fool you – that long period will make it punchy and fun on the right bank.

Sunday, August 9th – another standout. The morning is clean with a moderate offshore breeze from the SE. The swell is 5ft from the WSW with a 16-second period (1188 energy). This is a classic Piha setup. The offshore wind will groom it perfectly. This is top-tier.

Monday, August 10th – the offshore flow continues. The morning is clean with a gentle offshore from the ESE. The swell is 6ft from the WSW with a 15-second period (1409 energy). This is excellent, consistent surf. The crowd might be around, but the quality will be worth it.

Tuesday, August 11th – still looking good. The swell holds at 5-5ft with a 14-second period, and the wind stays light and cross-offshore. Clean conditions. A solid session.

Wednesday, August 12th – the swell drops off a bit. The morning is glassy with a 3ft SW swell (13-second period). A small, clean day for a longboard or a funboard.

Thursday, August 13th – the last day of the forecast is a wildcard. A big 10ft WNW swell rolls in (2444 energy) with a 11-second period. The wind is very light and cross-offshore in the morning, making it clean. This is a big swell for experts only. It’s a promising close to the window.

The best cracks are Wednesday, August 5th (morning) and the Sunday, August 9th to Monday, August 10th run. The swell direction is a solid SW, which is the optimum for Piha-The-Bar. The offshore winds on those days are the real deal: clean, glassy waves.

Rusty out.

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