Piha-The Bar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here, and we’ve got a solid 16-day window shaping up at Piha-The-Bar. This is a serious, exposed beach break that demands respect, especially when it’s pumping. And it’s going to pump. The ocean’s got a heap of energy in the tank, with combined swell energy readings hitting 7340 on Thursday the 9th, and 9247 on Friday the 10th – that’s strong to very strong stuff. Water temp is sitting right on 59°, which is bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

The standout period is Thursday the 9th of July through to the weekend. It kicks off Thursday afternoon with a solid 13ft swell from the SSW, period 13 seconds, and a cross-off wind from the SSE at 22 mph. It’s a big, powerful, clean wave, but at 13ft, this is strictly for advanced surfers only. The energy is insane (7340). Friday the 10th is the absolute best on offer. Morning session sees a 12ft SW swell with a very long 18-second period, cross-off S wind at 16 mph, and combined energy of 9247. The afternoon drops to 10ft with a 17-second period and lighter SSW wind at 9 mph. This is groundswell of the highest order – long, lined-up sets, but at a beach break like Piha, that long period can make them break a bit straight. Still, for the experienced, this is world-class. Saturday the 11th is a treat for the experts too, with 6ft WSW swell, and by the afternoon, it’s 6ft from the SW with a 14-second period and offshore wind from the SE at 6 mph. Clean, glassy, and punchy for the size.

Sunday the 12th is a gem. Morning has 7ft SW swell with a 16-second period and light E wind, but the afternoon is the real moment: 7ft WSW swell, 15-second period, and glassy conditions with E wind at 3 mph. Combined energy is 1907. That’s a clean, powerful, and very surfable afternoon. Crowds are sometimes an issue here, so get out early or late.

After that, the surf drops off. Monday the 13th and Tuesday the 14th are smaller and less clean, with onshore or cross-onshore winds and short to mid-period swells. By Wednesday the 15th and Thursday the 16th, the swell bumps back up, but it’s onshore and messy, with risk of thunderstorms and light rain. Friday the 17th sees a clean, cross-off SSW wind at 19 mph, with 7ft and 7ft SW swells, but the wind is strong, making it a bit of a battle.

The second week has a few flickers. Saturday the 18th is a nice little window: 6ft and 5ft WSW swells with clean, light winds and combined energy around 1066 and 1039. Sunday the 19th is okay but with cross-on flow. The real hidden gem is Tuesday the 21st of July afternoon: 5ft WSW swell, 14-second period, and glassy conditions with ENE wind at 3 mph. Combined energy 1222. That’s clean, low-stress, and fun for experienced surfers. Wednesday the 22nd has a bigger 8ft SW swell but with moderate wind, and then Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th get hammered by strong breeze cross-off winds at 25-28 mph, with tiny, poor surf. The combined energy drops to 512 and 624, so it’s a write-off.

Overall, the big winner is Friday the 10th of July – morning or afternoon, take your pick. The second best is Sunday the 12th of July afternoon, with that glassy 7ft swell. If you’re a beginner, stay away from the 13ft and 12ft days; they’re dangerous. For the rest, it’s a classic winter run at Piha. Stay safe out there.
Rusty

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