Pohoiki Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s look at what’s on offer for the next couple of weeks.

It’s a slow start for Pohoiki, and I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – the first week is a write-off. The wind is mostly cross or cross-on, and it’s bringing a lot of chop with it. Friday the 7th is a no-go with rain showers and a raw 12 mph wind from the NE. The swell is a weak 3 ft from the NE, with a period of just 7 seconds and the combined energy of all swells directed here is a measly 185. The water is sitting at 80°, which is about normal for this time of year, but it doesn’t matter when the waves are a mess.

Saturday the 8th starts with a bit of hope – a clean-looking morning with a 4 ft ESE swell, still a short 7 seconds, but the wind is a cross-off from the N. The energy is still weak at 246. It’s a marginal call, but it might be the best we get for a few days. The afternoon goes back to cross-shore chop, so get on it early if you’re keen.

Sunday the 9th and Monday the 10th are both blown out. The swell bumps up to 7 ft and 7 ft from the E on Sunday, with energy jumping to 529 and then 1194, but the wind is cross-on from the ENE at 12 mph. It’s going to be a bumpy, choppy mess. That 7 ft on Sunday afternoon is too big for beginners and not clean enough for anyone else.

We finally get a change in the pattern starting Wednesday the 12th. A long-period groundswell from the S arrives, with a period of 18 seconds and a solid energy of 948. The wave height is only 3 ft, so it’s not a big one, but that long period means it’ll have some push. The wind is cross from the NNE, so it’s not glassy. This is a reef break, and that long-period S swell is going to wrap in nicely, but it might be a bit straight for a beach break. This is a spot for experienced surfers who know the lineup.

Thursday the 13th is the standout. The S swell is still running at 4 ft, with a period of 16 seconds and energy of 1066. The wind is cross from the NE at 12 mph, keeping it rideable. The score is the best of the whole window. That’s your best bet for the whole fortnight. Don’t expect perfection, but it’s the cleanest, most consistent option we’ve got.

The following week fades out. Friday the 14th is back to poor conditions with a fresh 19 mph cross-shore wind. The swell drops to 3 ft. Saturday the 15th sees a bump from the ENE, 6 ft with 8-second period, but the wind is a fresh 19 mph cross-shore. It’s a lumpy, blown-out mess.

The week of the 18th offers a couple of flickers. Tuesday the 18th afternoon has a clean cross-off wind from the N with a 5 ft ENE swell at 10 seconds. That’s a decent combo. Wednesday the 19th morning is light wind – only 6 mph from the NNE – with a 5 ft NE swell. The period is 9 seconds and energy is 520. It’s clean but marginal. For the last week, keep your eyes on the 18th afternoon.

Bottom line: if you’re a local, the only real session to chase is Thursday the 13th. That S swell is the best energy we’ll see. The rest is a lot of waiting and watching the wind. If you’re a beginner, stay out of the water when it’s over 5 ft and choppy. The crowds at Pohoiki can show up sometimes, so keep that in mind.

Rusty.

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