Piha-The Bar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let's have a good hard look at what's coming our way at Piha.

Right off the bat, the forecast is absolutely pumping for the next couple of weeks, but you've got to choose your moments. We're seeing a run of hefty, long-period SW groundswells that scream "expert only." The water temp is sitting at 59°, which is pretty much spot on for this time of year, nothing weird there.

Monday July 6th is a complete write-off – a stormy, choppy mess with 13-foot of west swell and a nasty north cross-onshore. Don't even bother.

Tuesday July 7th shapes up much better. We're looking at a solid 10-foot swell from the WSW with a very long 16-second period. It's a big one, definitely for the experienced crew. The wind is a clean cross-off from the east, so it won't be too messy. The energy is strong (3871 to 5031), so you'll feel the push. Keep an eye on the tide though.

The standout window arrives on Thursday July 9th afternoon. The swell drops slightly to 10-foot from the SW, but the period stays at a solid 12 seconds. The wind goes glassy offshore from the SSE, and the combined energy is a whopping 5183 – that's a lot of power. This is the best session of the first week. For the expert lads, this is the one.

Friday July 10th keeps the energy high. The afternoon sees a 10-foot SW groundswell with a 17-second period and a clean cross-off wind. The energy reading hits a massive 9089, which is about as punchy as it gets. Paddling out will be a mission with those long lulls, but the waves will be unreal if you're in the right spot.

Saturday July 11th and Sunday July 12th offer a bit of a breather. The swell drops to around 6 to 7 feet, still from the WSW with a long period. The wind is light or even glassy on Sunday afternoon – that will be a beautiful, clean session for the experienced surfer who doesn't want to get pounded. Crowds are possible at this spot, so get in early.

We then hit a flat patch. Monday July 13th through Tuesday July 14th sees the swell crashing down to 3 feet with choppy onshore winds. Surf is essentially non-existent. A bit of a lull until the next pulse.

Wednesday July 15th brings a new pulse of 10-foot swell from the WSW, but the wind is a messy cross-on or cross-shore. It'll be big but bumpy. Hold out.

The real second-week gem is shaping up for Saturday July 18th. The forecast is for 12-foot swell from the WSW with a 14-second period. The wind is a solid offshore from the SE, with a combined energy of 4455. This is a big, clean, powerful swell. It's an all-day session for experts, and the crowd will be on it. That Saturday morning is your second standout.

As we move into Sunday July 19th and beyond, the swell holds in the 7 to 8-foot range with clean offshore winds. The period sticks around 14-15 seconds, so the quality remains high, though it might be a touch too lined up for the beach break. The energy drops back but it's still quality clean surf. Tuesday July 21st finishes it off nicely with a 7-foot swell and glassy conditions.

So, to wrap it up: the first week is all about Thursday July 9th afternoon for the best conditions. The second week's top pick is Saturday July 18th for the biggest and cleanest swell. Don't waste your time on the 6th, or the 13th and 14th – go for a paddle in the harbour those days.

Rusty.

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