Port Waikato-Sunset beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here, checking in with the local skinny for Port Waikato-Sunset Beach. We’ve got a wild 16-day window ahead, so let’s get straight into it.

Right off the bat, we’re looking at some serious size. The first few days are all about a big, powerful groundswell with a ton of energy. The water temp is sitting around 57°, which is pretty average for this time of year, so no surprises there. This swell is 10 ft from the WSW, but it’s coming with a side note: the combined energy is massive, and the wave comment tells us it’s just too big for this break. This is a call for experts only, and honestly, with that much power, it’s going to be a washing machine for most. The wind is offshore from the ESE, which is a treat, but the raw power is the headline here.

For Sunday the 26th afternoon, it’s a mixed bag. The swell is still 10 ft, and the wind is offshore, but it’s a real "too big" scenario. You’d need to be a seasoned charger to even think about it. The water’s at 57°F, which is nothing unusual.

Moving into Monday the 27th morning, the swell drops to 8 ft, but it’s still a solid groundswell from the WSW. The wind swings to the south, making it cross-offshore, and the energy is still high. The wave comment is for experienced surfers, so this is for the confident crew. It’s clean, but not for the faint-hearted.

By Tuesday the 28th morning, the swell settles to 6 ft, and we get a glassy offshore from the ESE. The energy drops a lot, making it much more manageable. This is the sweet spot for intermediate surfers. The waves will be clean and lined up, with the wind holding offshore. It’s a standout.

Wednesday the 29th morning sees the swell at 4 ft, and the wind is light cross-off from the NE. The energy is a bit weak, but the waves are clean. It’s a good option for a longboard or a fun fish.

Now, hold on, because the end of July and start of August get messy. Thursday the 30th morning has a 6 ft SW swell, but the wind is a moderate cross-shore from the NNE, making it a bit choppy. The energy is moderate. Friday the 31st and Saturday the 1st of August are a write-off. On Friday, we’re looking at 10 ft, then 15 ft, and even 16 ft on Saturday, with strong onshore winds. The energy goes through the roof, and the wave comment is "poor surf conditions." This is kite-surfing territory, not paddle surfing. The swell is too big, the wind is all wrong, and it’s lumpy and dangerous.

The second week, from August 2nd onward, the pattern is still big, but the wind shifts. The morning of August 2nd sees a 10 ft SW swell with a cross-offshore SSE wind, but it’s still too big for this break. The energy is high, but the wave comment says "too big." This is for the hardcore only.

The real hope for the second week comes on Tuesday the 4th of August. The morning swell drops to 5 ft, but the period stretches out to a massive 17 seconds. The wind is a light cross-offshore from the east. The energy is good, and the wave comment is "excellent for experienced surfers." That long period is going to bring some serious, clean lines, but it’ll be very straight at the beach break. It’s a point break or reef kind of wave.

Then, Friday the 7th of August morning is a real standout. The swell is 5 ft from the WSW, with a 17-second period, and the wind is a moderate offshore from the east. The energy is good, and the wave comment is "excellent for experienced surfers." It’s clean, powerful, and the wind is perfect. The same goes for the afternoon – 6 ft, 16-second period, and a gentle offshore from the east. This is the best of the second week.

The last few days, from August 8th to 10th, the swell fades to 4 ft to 3 ft, with light offshore winds. The energy is low, but it’s clean and glassy. Perfect for a quiet session on a longboard.

Overall, the best on offer is the Tuesday the 28th morning for the first week, with the 6 ft clean swell and glassy offshore wind. For the second week, the Friday the 7th morning is the real gem, with the 5 ft groundswell and perfect offshore wind. But remember, that long period on the 7th might make the waves a bit too straight for the beach break.

So, for the first week, keep your eyes on Tuesday the 28th. For the second week, the Friday the 7th is the one to pencil in. The big stuff in between is for the brave and the kite surfers.

Rusty.

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