Port Waikato-Sunset beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what Port Waikato-Sunset Beach has cookin' for the next couple of weeks. It's a bit of a rollercoaster, so hang on.

We kick things off this Friday the 24th of July, but honestly, it's a write-off. We've got a fresh cross-onshore wind blowing at 19 mph and a jumbled, weak 7ft NW swell. The energy is pathetic at (876), and it's just not worth paddling out. We'll have a few days of this, unfortunately.

Saturday the 25th is a complete washout and dangerous. The swell pumps up to a massive 21ft from the WSW by the afternoon, but with a strong cross-onshore wind hitting 25 mph, it'll be a complete mess. The wave energy is absolutely pumping at (11601), but you wouldn't want to be out there unless you've got a death wish. This is more of a kite-surfing setup than anything for a paddle surfer.

Things get interesting on Sunday the 26th. The wind drops to nothing in the morning – glassy conditions. There's a 13ft swell rolling in from the WSW with a very long 15-second period. That's a ton of energy (6060). But here's the catch: this break can't handle that much water. The forecast says it's too big for this spot, so even though the conditions are perfect, the swell size will be packing too much punch for most. The afternoon cleans up a little with a light cross-shore, but it's still a 10ft swell. Solid, but for experts only if they can find a channel.

Monday the 27th settles down a fair bit. The swell drops to 8ft in the morning with a clean, cross-off wind. Still a long-period groundswell at 13 seconds from the WSW. It's a "marginal" call, which means the tide might mess with it. It’s a step in the right direction, but not the pick.

Now, here's where we start to see some light. Tuesday the 28th of July looks like a solid option. The swell has eased to a manageable 6ft, with an offshore wind from the East in the morning. Clean lines. The combined energy (841) is moderate and much more user-friendly. The afternoon holds at 5ft with a clean cross-off breeze. This is a good session for the intermediate crew.

Moving into the first week of August, we have a real standout. Saturday the 1st of August morning. The wind goes totally glassy, and we have an 8ft groundswell from the WSW. The wave energy is strong (1955), but the conditions are described as "excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers." The size is pushing the limit for intermediates, but if you're confident, that glassy surface will be worth the paddle.

Another big standout is Monday the 3rd of August afternoon. We get a 6ft swell from the SW, but the period is a juicy 14 seconds. The wind goes light and cross-off, cleaning up the faces. This is another one for the experienced crew, but the quality is there.

Finally, Tuesday the 4th of August is the absolute pick of the entire run. Both the morning and afternoon have a solid 7ft swell from the WSW with a very long 16-second period. The wind is light and offshore in the morning (E at 6 mph) and clean cross-off in the afternoon. The energy is strong (2696). This is the one to circle on your calendar. Expect a crowded lineup at Sunset Beach though, as it often gets busy, but the quality will make up for it.

The second week trickles off. We lose the size after the 6th, dropping to clean 5ft and 4ft SW swells on the 6th and 7th, great for logs or fun shapes. By the 8th of August, it's pretty flat with tiny, long-period leftovers that won't do much at this beach.

Overall, there's a rough start, a dangerous huge swell in the middle, and then a sweet window from the 28th of July through to the 4th of August. The 4th of August morning with that long 16-second SW groundswell and offshore wind is the one. Be patient, the wait is worth it.

Rusty.

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