Port Waikato-Sunset beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s have a look at what’s cooking for Port Waikato-Sunset Beach over the next couple of weeks.

Right off the bat, we’ve got a solid run of surf starting this Thursday, 13 August. The early part of the weekend is the pick of the bunch, with some real quality on offer. The water temperature is sitting at 57°F, which is pretty much bang on average for this time of year, so no surprises there.

Thursday morning kicks things off with a clean 4ft swell from the WNW, a light cross-off breeze from the ENE, and combined wave energy of 608 (moderate). It’s a good start, but the stand-out is Thursday afternoon. The wind goes totally glassy, the swell jumps to a clean 5ft from the W with a 12-second period, and the energy bumps up to 1084 (moderate). That’s excellent conditions for experienced surfers, and the waves will be smooth as silk.

Friday the 14th keeps the quality going. Morning sees a 6ft swell from the WSW with a very long 16-second period and an offshore breeze from the E. Combined energy is 1594 (moderate-strong). This is prime groundswell, and with clean conditions, it’s going to be a great session. The afternoon holds similar size and period, with a light offshore from the SE. Definitely a day to be in the water.

Saturday morning the 15th is still punchy at 6ft from the WSW, but the wind swings cross-shore from the SSW at 15 km/h, and the energy is pumping at 2425 (strong). The wave comment mentions marginal conditions, so the quality might drop a notch. The afternoon gets stronger with 8ft swell and 3361 energy (strong), but the wind picks up to 25 km/h cross-shore, creating some chop. This will be more of a challenge.

Sunday the 16th stays big, with 8ft to 8ft swell from the WSW, but the wind is still strong and cross-shore. The afternoon does clean up a bit with a cross-off breeze from the S, so there’s still a window.

Now, Monday the 17th – this is where things get serious. The morning swell hits 12ft from the SW with a massive 5106 energy (very strong). The wind is a fresh cross-off from the S at 35 km/h. This is way too big for most, and only for the most experienced crew. The same goes for the afternoon at 10ft and 3695 energy. The forecast says it’s too big for this break, so take that as a warning.

The swell drops back to a more manageable 6ft from the SW on Tuesday the 18th and Wednesday the 19th, with clean conditions and moderate energy (around 1449 to 1420). The period is still a solid 13-14 seconds, so there will be good shape. Thursday the 20th morning is another clean, offshore session with 6ft swell and 1685 energy.

Friday the 21st delivers a glassy morning with 5ft swell from the SW and a 13-second period. Light energy at 721 (moderate), but the conditions will be pristine. Saturday the 22nd is a smaller day, with 3ft to 2ft, and the energy drops off. The morning is glassy, but the afternoon gets a bit of cross-on breeze.

The following week from Sunday the 23rd through Tuesday the 25th is a write-off with poor conditions, small messy swell, onshore or cross-onshore wind, and low energy. Not worth paddling out.

We get a glimmer of hope on Wednesday the 26th, with a glassy morning and 4ft swell from the WSW with a 15-second period. Energy is 862 (moderate). That’s a sneaky good session.

Then, on Thursday the 27th of August, it goes huge again. An 12ft swell from the NW with a short 8-second period, but clean cross-off wind. Combined energy is 2291 (strong). Again, this is too big for the break. The next day, Friday the 28th, is even bigger: 18ft to 20ft with energy up to 10982 (very strong). That is pure chaos and for experts only, if anyone.

So, the best of the best? I’d be locking in Friday the 14th from morning through to afternoon. That 6ft groundswell with a 16-second period and offshore wind is a dream. Thursday the 13th afternoon is the other standout – glassy, clean, and 5ft. Get on it.

Rusty.

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