Port Waikato-Sunset beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Right, let’s have a look at what’s comin’ up for Port Waikato-Sunset Beach. It’s a bit of a slow burn to start, but there’s a couple of days that’ll get the heart pumping if you’re patient.

The first decent chance isn’t ’til Monday the 10th, and even then it’s a bit average. Monday morning sees a 5 ft swell from the WSW with a period of 13 seconds, but the wind’s cross-on from the SW at 6 mph, so it’s not clean. The combined swell energy is moderate at 1377. The water temp is 57°, which is about normal for this time of year. Honestly, it’s a pass for me.

Tuesday the 11th is where we start to see a glimmer. Morning has a 4 ft WSW swell, period 14 seconds, and a light E wind at 3 mph giving clean conditions. The combined energy drops a bit to 748, but the glass-off in the afternoon is the real story. Tuesday afternoon sees the wind go totally glassy, zero mph, with a 4 ft WSW swell at 13 seconds. That’s clean, smooth, and inviting. Not huge, but for a cheeky session, it’s your best early bet.

Wednesday the 12th through Thursday the 13th is pretty quiet, with swell dropping to 3 ft and only light energy (438 to 698). Not worth paddling out for.

Then we hit the first standout. Friday the 14th morning – this is the one to circle. A solid 6 ft swell from the WSW, period 16 seconds, with a clean cross-off breeze from the E at 9 mph. The combined swell energy is a strong 1451. This is excellent for experienced surfers. The afternoon keeps it clean with a 4 ft swell and offshore ESE wind at 9 mph. Crowds are possible here at Port Waikato-Sunset Beach, so get in early.

Saturday the 15th is the absolute pick of the first week. Morning brings a 6 ft WSW swell at a very long 17 seconds, with clean offshore ESE wind at 6 mph. Combined energy is a beefy 1747. Afternoon bumps up to 7 ft from the WSW, period 16 seconds, with a light S wind – still clean. This is excellent surf for experienced surfers. The long period means it’ll have plenty of power and shape, but it’s an exposed beach, so watch for those sets to line up straight.

Sunday the 16th gets messy. The swell jumps to 8 ft in the morning, but the wind swings SSW at 19 mph, making it lumpy and cross-shore. Afternoon sees 10 ft swell, but that’s too big for this break and the wind is still strong. Not one for the paddle board.

Monday the 17th drops back to 8 ft, but the wind is still cross-off and strong at 16 mph. It’s clean but tricky. By Tuesday the 18th, it’s back to choppy, cross-on conditions. Honestly, from the 16th to the 20th, it’s a bit of a write-off – wind and lumpy seas.

Friday the 21st morning offers a small window: 5 ft swell from the SW, period 14 seconds, with a clean cross-off NE wind at 3 mph. Combined energy is moderate at 777. Good, but not the standout.

Now, the long-range gem. Tuesday the 25th morning – mark it in your calendar, but treat it as promising, not locked in. A 8 ft SW swell with a very long 17-second period, clean offshore wind from the E at 9 mph. Combined energy is massive at 4137. This is excellent for experienced surfers, but the size and long period mean it’ll be powerful – best on a point or reef, but at this beach, be ready for some big, straight sets. The afternoon jumps to 12 ft from the SSW, but with a short 9-second period and cross-wind, it’s too big and messy for a good time.

So, to sum it up: your best bets are Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th for clean, solid swell, and keep an eye on Tuesday the 25th for a possible big-swell day if the forecasts hold. The rest is mostly small or windy.

Stay salty,
Rusty

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